English

Verb

've

1. Have in its sense marking the perfect or retrospective tense.
2. (dialect) Have in its other uses.
   • 1996, Deirdre Purcell, Roses After Rain, p. 335:

     "...Where's the ladies' in this joint? I've to powder me nose."

Usage notes

In many dialects, -'ve is only used to mark the perfect aspect ("I've done something" = "I have done something"), not to signify possession ("I have something"), necessity ("I have to do something"), &c. In others, -'ve is used more broadly; this is sometimes proscribed.

Related terms

• 'd (past tense)
• 's (third person)

Anagrams

• eV