Representing being and having
|
Using have and other possession verbs | page 4 of 9 |
Using have to describe things
A noun group
+
have + object is generally preferred to the impersonal there + be
structure when the author wants to suggest that something possesses certain (usually
desirable) qualities:
The clock
has a large easy-to-read LED display, with 2 alarms and sleep/snooze facility. (Bank of English)If you have small children, look for a model where the door has a time delay lock so it can't be opened during a programme. (Bank of English)
When I woke up next morning I found that chicken had been stolen from the kitchen, and the hallway had a strange smell. (Bank of English)
Because this structure gives a rather more "personal" impression, it is particularly common in persuasive types of writing, for example promotional literature for buildings and places:
The hotel
has a sauna, solarium and heated indoor swimming pool.
(Bank of English)
The apartment
has views over Laguna Bay and across the hinterland.
(Bank of English)Barcelona has many historical attractions, an efficient public transport network, and good access to the rest of Europe through its recently remodernised airport. (Bank of English)
There + be followed by a noun group and an adverbial is preferred when the author wishes simply to
indicate the location of something:
My father's house is built of fine blue brick, better than the brick in the houses here in the United States. It is only one story high, roofed with red tiles and surrounded by a stone wall which also encloses the yard. There are four rooms in the house; one large living room which serves for a parlor and three private rooms. (Bank of English)
For further information about there + be, see 
Representing being and having: Using there be to represent
existence and location (p 4).
Using have to describe things
