Word Usage – Difference Between “I’ve” and “I Have”

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Is there any textual usage difference between words like "I've" and "I have", or is it just an accent thing?

e.g.

I've finished my homework.

I have finished my homework.

It's a beautiful day.

It is a beautiful day.

Best Answer

It is just the contracted form.

Contracted forms are not used when verb has its own meaning.

I have my homework. (have stands for possession.)
I've my homework.
I have finished my homework. (have is an auxiliary.)

They are not used in short answers:

Have you done your homework?
Yes, I have. Yes, I've.

Also, when writing formal stuff, you normally use non-contracted forms. For instance, in an essay.


There's a difference in spoken English when you stress the non-contracted form. Compare:

I've finished my homework.
(Standard statement.)
I have finished my homework.
(Emphasis when speaking.)

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