As an English language learner, one of the most difficult aspects students struggle with is the difference between ‘have’ and ‘had’. Both verb forms are commonly used in the English language, and they are used in different contexts to convey different meanings. Therefore, it is important for teachers to effectively educate students about the use, meanings, and applications of the two verbs.
First, it is essential to explain the difference between ‘have’ and ‘had’. ‘Have’ is the present tense of the verb, while ‘had’ is the past tense. In other words, ‘have’ is used to refer to an action that is currently going on or has already taken place, while ‘had’ is used to describe an event that occurred before the present or in a past context.
To teach students the use of these two verbs, teachers can apply a variety of approaches and techniques. One popular method is to use examples to illustrate the difference between ‘have’ and ‘had’. For instance, a teacher can ask students to form sentences using ‘have’ and ‘had’. For example, a sentence using ‘have’ could be ‘I have a cat as a pet’ while, a sentence using ‘had’ could be ‘I had a cat three years ago.’
Another method that can be employed in teaching the usage of ‘have’ and ‘had’ is to introduce grammar rules. Teachers can go into detail about the grammatical structure and how to use each verb correctly. This can be done by using different tenses and creating contexts to help students understand the application of each verb effectively.
To complement this, teachers can also use worksheets, flashcards, and interactive games to reinforce the concepts they have taught. These exercises enable students to put into practice what they have learned about ‘have’ and ‘had’ in a fun way.
Additionally, teachers can instruct students to read more literature, articles, and blogs to help them develop further understanding of the use of ‘have’ and ‘had’ in different contexts. To encourage students to read more, teachers can include reading assignments and class activities that involve the use of both verbs to reinforce what they have learned.
Finally, it is important that the teacher provides students with ample opportunities to practice what they have learned about ‘have’ and ‘had’. This means assigning homework that requires the use of both verbs, giving students pop quizzes, and holding class discussions that encourage students to think critically about how they use grammar in their daily lives.
