Why English Says “I Am 53” and Not “I Have 53 Years".

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]So, why do we say there are many people here instead of saying have many people here?

[00:00:07]Because English uses two different structures when talking about existence and possession. There is and there are show existence. For example, there is a book on the table. It exists.

[00:00:24]There are many people here. Having has show possession.

[00:00:29]I have a car.

[00:00:30]She has a dog.

[00:00:32]If something exists, there is and there are.

[00:00:36]If someone has possession of something, have or has.

[00:00:42]But, here's the common mistake.

[00:00:44]In many languages, people use have for age. I have 53. But, in English, we use to be. I am 53.

[00:00:57]So, age uses to be.

[00:01:00]Speak clearly and be understood.