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i have books vs i had books

The phrases "I have books" and "I had books" are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I have books" is used to indicate possession in the present, while "I had books" is used to indicate possession in the past.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 3377 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate possession in the present.

"i have books"

Use "I have books" to indicate that you currently possess books. This phrase is used in the present tense.

Examples:

  • I have books on my bookshelf.
  • She has books on various topics.
  • We have books for our book club.
  • They have books for their research.
  • He has books on history.
  • And I have books, lots of books.
  • I have books for you.
  • Yes, I have books...
  • I have book reports to grade, and laundry, wedding stuff.
  • And don't forget that I have book club tonight, which means you two heroes are on your own for dinner.
  • Well I actually have a book.
  • I was worried, but I already have books and homework and they'll give me periodic surprise quizzes just to make up for the ones I missed.
  • I have this book for Roger Wade...
  • But now I have to book myself a hotel.
  • I have a book detailing over 10 years worth of mob hits.
  • I have that book for Sofia.
  • I have no books for you, Laust.
  • Neil, I have my book club tonight.
  • I'm sure I have a book on him somewhere.
  • I have some books for you.
  • I have the book you ordered.
  • I have a book to show you, with your permission.
  • No, I have two books to return to the library.
  • No.Anyway, I have my book club.
  • I think I have a book somewhere.

Alternatives:

  • I own books
  • I possess books
  • I keep books
  • I hold books
  • I am in possession of books

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate possession in the past.

"i had books"

Use "I had books" to indicate that you possessed books in the past. This phrase is used in the past tense.

Examples:

  • I had books when I was a child.
  • She had books on her shelf before she moved.
  • We had books for our school project last year.
  • They had books for their library before it closed.
  • He had books on his desk yesterday.
  • I had books and notebooks.
  • I had the book before Professor Katz locked it up.
  • I had to book with this girl named Kelly.
  • I had this book when I was a kid.
  • Maybe I could find out if I had my Book...
  • I had this book I wanted to show him.
  • Since I had your book, I thought I'd take it home and read it.
  • I was waiting to give you the ring until I was sure I had another book in me.
  • I had a book report on Madame Bovary coming up.
  • Not that I had the books, that I did anything.
  • My girlfriend and I had to book a year in advance just to see them.
  • I had my second book on my mind.
  • But fortunately, I had my little book of comfort.
  • Well, maybe they thought I had Lang's book.
  • Sure wish I had a good book.
  • Sure wish I had a good book.
  • If I had three books, why would I go out?
  • I had my comic books and pulp magazines.
  • I had my assistant book the response room at National so we can decide then and there.
  • I had read civics books that told me about the ideals of American democracy.

Alternatives:

  • I used to have books
  • I owned books
  • I possessed books
  • I kept books
  • I held books

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