• Lumidaub@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      13
      ·
      23 小时前

      You can, but would you? It sounds old-timey because it’s not how modern English works.

      • monotremata@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        8
        ·
        19 小时前

        I think it might be more common in British English? Like “I’ve a fiver says he muffs the kick.” Or “I’ve half a mind to go down there myself.” (Curiously in American English this latter would probably still have the contraction but add a second auxiliary verb: “I’ve got half a mind to…” English is such a mess.)

        • Lumidaub@feddit.org
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          19 小时前

          Yeah, it’s not as uncommon the UK to hear specifically “I’ve [x]” instead of “I’ve got [x]”. I won’t be told though that Brits say “the [x] that I’ve” ;D

      • slothrop@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        12
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        23 小时前

        lol, really?

        I’ve an apple in one hand, and I’ve an orange in the other.
        I’ve modernity all over me.

    • Clent@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      19 小时前

      The contractions we say are more loose than what we write. Couldn’t’ve is my go to example.