Common Speaking Mistake: ‘I am having a question’ Explained

If you say “I am having a question” in a conversation, you are making a common error that native speakers notice immediately. The correct phrase is “I have a question.” The verb “have” is a stative verb when it means “possess” or “own,” and stative verbs are not used in the continuous (-ing) form. This guide explains why this mistake happens, when you can use “having” correctly, and how to fix your speaking for natural English.

Quick Answer

Do not say “I am having a question.” Say “I have a question.” The word “have” here describes a state (possession), not an action. Use “have” in the simple present tense for questions, possessions, and feelings. Use “having” only when it describes an action, such as “having dinner” or “having a meeting.”

Why ‘I am having a question’ Is Wrong

In English, verbs are divided into two main types: action verbs and stative verbs. Action verbs describe something you do (run, eat, write). Stative verbs describe a state or condition (know, believe, own, have). Stative verbs are rarely used in continuous tenses.

“Have” is a stative verb when it means:

• To possess: “I have a car.”
• To own: “She has a house.”
• To experience a feeling: “I have a headache.”
• To hold a thought: “I have an idea.”

When you say “I have a question,” you are describing a state: you possess a question in your mind. This is not an action you are performing. Therefore, the continuous form “I am having” is incorrect.

When ‘Having’ Is Correct

The word “having” is correct when it describes an action or an experience. This usually happens in fixed expressions where “have” is part of an action phrase.

Notice that in all these examples, “having” describes an activity or event, not a state of possession. “Having a question” is not an activity; it is a state.

Comparison Table: ‘Have’ vs. ‘Having’

Natural Examples

Here are examples of how native speakers naturally use “have a question” in different situations.

In a classroom or meeting

• “Excuse me, I have a question about the homework.”
• “Does anyone have a question before we move on?”
• “I have a quick question about the deadline.”

In casual conversation

• “I have a question for you. What do you think about the movie?”
• “She has a question about the recipe.”
• “Do you have any questions for me?”

In email or formal writing

• “I have a question regarding your invoice.”
• “Please let me know if you have any questions.”
• “I have a question about the terms of the contract.”

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “have” and “having.”

Mistake 1: Using “having” for possession

• Incorrect: “I am having a car.”
• Correct: “I have a car.”

Mistake 2: Using “having” for feelings

• Incorrect: “I am having a cold.”
• Correct: “I have a cold.”

Mistake 3: Using “having” for questions

• Incorrect: “I am having a question about the report.”
• Correct: “I have a question about the report.”

Mistake 4: Overcorrecting and avoiding “having” entirely

• Incorrect: “I have dinner right now.” (If you are currently eating)
• Correct: “I am having dinner right now.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

If you want to express the same idea as “I have a question” but in different contexts, here are better alternatives.

For formal situations

• “I would like to ask a question.”
• “May I ask a question?”
• “I have an inquiry.”

For informal situations

• “Can I ask you something?”
• “I have something to ask.”
• “Quick question.”

When you want to be polite

• “I was wondering if I could ask a question.”
• “Would it be okay if I asked a question?”

Formal vs. Informal Tone

The phrase “I have a question” is neutral and works in both formal and informal settings. However, the mistake “I am having a question” sounds unnatural in any setting. If you are in a formal meeting, use “I have a question” or “I would like to ask a question.” In casual conversation, “I have a question” or “Can I ask you something?” are both fine.

Email and Conversation Context

In email, the phrase “I have a question” is common and professional. For example:

• “Dear Mr. Smith, I have a question about the project timeline.”

In conversation, you can use the same phrase. If you are in a group setting, you might say:

• “I have a question for the group.”

Avoid using “I am having a question” in both email and conversation. It will confuse native speakers and make your English sound unnatural.

Common Nuance: ‘Having’ with Abstract Nouns

Some abstract nouns can be used with “having” when they describe an experience or event. For example:

• “I am having a great time.” (Experience)
• “We are having a discussion.” (Event)
• “She is having a difficult day.” (Experience)

But “question” is not an experience or event. It is a thought or inquiry. Therefore, “having a question” is incorrect. Think of “question” like “idea” or “thought.” You do not say “I am having an idea” either; you say “I have an idea.”

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option.

Question 1

Which sentence is correct?

A. I am having a question about the schedule.
B. I have a question about the schedule.

Answer: B. “I have a question” is correct because “have” is stative here.

Question 2

Which sentence is correct?

A. We are having a meeting at 3 PM.
B. We have a meeting at 3 PM.

Answer: Both are correct, but they have different meanings. “We are having a meeting” means the meeting is happening now or is planned as an event. “We have a meeting” means the meeting exists on the schedule. For a scheduled event, both are acceptable, but “are having” emphasizes the activity.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: “I _______ a headache.”

A. am having
B. have

Answer: B. “I have a headache” is correct. A headache is a state, not an action.

Question 4

Which sentence is correct in a conversation?

A. Do you have any questions?
B. Are you having any questions?

Answer: A. “Do you have any questions?” is the standard and correct form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ‘I am having a doubt’ correct?

No. The same rule applies. “Doubt” is a state, like “question.” Say “I have a doubt” or “I have a doubt about that.” In some varieties of English, “I have a doubt” is common, but “I am having a doubt” is always incorrect.

2. Can I say ‘I am having a problem’?

Yes, in some contexts. “I am having a problem” is correct when “problem” refers to an ongoing difficulty or technical issue. For example: “I am having a problem with my computer.” This describes an experience. However, “I have a problem” is also correct and more common. Both are acceptable, but “I am having a problem” emphasizes that the problem is happening right now.

3. What about ‘I am having a thought’?

This is uncommon. Native speakers usually say “I have a thought” or “I just had a thought.” “I am having a thought” sounds awkward because a thought is a state, not an action. Stick with “I have a thought.”

4. Why do some learners make this mistake?

This mistake often comes from direct translation from other languages. In many languages, the continuous form is used for questions or feelings. For example, in Spanish, “Estoy teniendo una pregunta” is incorrect too, but learners may transfer patterns from their first language. The key is to remember that “have” for possession, feelings, and questions is always simple present.

Final Tip for Speaking

When you are in a conversation and want to ask something, train yourself to say “I have a question” automatically. Practice this phrase until it feels natural. If you catch yourself starting to say “I am having,” stop and correct yourself. With practice, this mistake will disappear from your speech.

For more help with common speaking errors, visit our Speaking Mistake Fixes section. You can also explore Grammar Accuracy Checks for other stative verb rules. If you have questions about this guide, please contact us. For more information about how we create content, see our Editorial Policy.