If you have ever said, “I am having a question,” you have made a very common speaking mistake. The direct answer is that this phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct form is “I have a question.” The verb “have” is a stative verb when it means “to possess” or “to hold in mind,” and stative verbs are not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, when you can actually use “having,” and how to fix it for clear workplace and everyday conversation.
Quick Answer: What Should You Say?
In almost all situations, say “I have a question” or “I have a quick question.” Do not say “I am having a question.” The only time you might hear “having” used with “question” is in very specific, informal contexts, which we will cover later. For now, remember: for possession or asking something, use the simple present tense.
Why Is ‘I am having a question’ Wrong?
The core issue is the difference between stative verbs and dynamic verbs.
- Stative verbs describe a state, condition, or feeling that is not an action. Examples include: know, believe, love, hate, own, have (when meaning possess). These verbs are rarely used in continuous tenses.
- Dynamic verbs describe an action, process, or change. Examples include: run, eat, write, work, have (when meaning “to eat” or “to experience”). These verbs can be used in continuous tenses.
When you say “I have a question,” you are describing a state of possession (you possess a question in your mind). It is not an action you are performing. Therefore, the continuous form “I am having” is incorrect.
Comparison Table: ‘Have’ as Stative vs. Dynamic
| Use of “Have” | Meaning | Correct Example | Incorrect Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession | To own or hold | I have a car. | I am having a car. |
| Relationship | To be related to | I have two brothers. | I am having two brothers. |
| Mental state | To hold in mind | I have a question. | I am having a question. |
| Illness | To experience a symptom | I have a headache. | I am having a headache. (Sometimes used, but “I have” is standard) |
| Eating/Drinking | To consume | I am having lunch. | I have lunch. (This is also correct, but means a habit) |
| Experience | To go through an event | I am having a good time. | I have a good time. (This is also correct, but means a habit) |
| Action (e.g., meeting) | To hold an event | We are having a meeting. | We have a meeting. (This is also correct, but means a scheduled event) |
When Can You Use ‘Having’ with ‘Question’?
There is one very specific, informal context where you might hear “having a question.” This is when the question itself is treated as a temporary problem or difficulty you are experiencing. It is not standard, but it is used in casual conversation.
Informal / Casual Context
In very relaxed speech, someone might say, “I’m having a question about the schedule.” This treats the question as a temporary issue, similar to “I’m having a problem.” However, this is not grammatically precise and is best avoided in professional settings.
Formal / Workplace Context
In any formal or workplace context, always use “I have a question.” Using “I am having a question” will sound unnatural and may mark you as a non-native speaker. It is a common mistake that is easy to fix.
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how to correctly use “I have a question” in different situations.
In a Meeting
- Correct: “Excuse me, I have a question about the budget report.”
- Incorrect: “Excuse me, I am having a question about the budget report.”
In an Email
- Correct: “I have a question regarding the deadline.”
- Incorrect: “I am having a question regarding the deadline.”
In a Classroom
- Correct: “Teacher, I have a question about the homework.”
- Incorrect: “Teacher, I am having a question about the homework.”
In a Conversation with a Friend
- Correct: “Hey, I have a question for you.”
- Incorrect: “Hey, I am having a question for you.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with this phrase, along with the corrections.
-
Mistake: “I am having a question about the project.”
Correction: “I have a question about the project.” -
Mistake: “I am having a doubt.” (This is a direct translation from some languages)
Correction: “I have a doubt.” or better, “I have a question.” (In English, “doubt” is less common in this context; “question” is preferred.) -
Mistake: “I am having a problem.” (This is actually correct if you are currently experiencing a problem)
Correction: This is fine. “I am having a problem with my computer.” But “I have a problem” is also correct and more common. -
Mistake: “I am having a question in my mind.”
Correction: “I have a question.” or “I have a question on my mind.” (The phrase “on my mind” is idiomatic and means you are thinking about it.)
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
While “I have a question” is the most direct and common phrase, there are alternatives that can sound more polite or professional depending on the context.
Polite Alternatives (for formal situations)
- “I would like to ask a question.” – Very polite and formal. Use in meetings with senior management or in formal presentations.
- “May I ask a question?” – A polite request for permission. Use when you want to be respectful.
- “Could I ask a question?” – Similar to “May I,” but slightly less formal.
Professional Alternatives (for workplace emails)
- “I have a query regarding…” – “Query” is a formal synonym for “question.” Use in written communication.
- “I would appreciate clarification on…” – Very professional and indirect. Use when you need a detailed answer.
- “I am writing to ask about…” – A standard and clear way to start an email.
Casual Alternatives (for friends and family)
- “Can I ask you something?” – Very common and natural.
- “I’ve got a question.” – Informal and common in spoken English.
- “Quick question.” – A very common way to start a question in casual conversation.
Nuance: ‘Have’ vs. ‘Have Got’
In informal British English, “I have got a question” is very common. It means the same as “I have a question.” In American English, “I have a question” is more standard, but “I’ve got a question” is also used informally. Note that “I have got” is not the same as “I am having.” “I have got” is a present perfect form that functions as a present tense for possession.
- Standard: “I have a question.” (Formal and informal)
- Informal (especially UK): “I’ve got a question.” (Informal)
- Incorrect: “I am having a question.” (Avoid)
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
Question 1: You are in a team meeting. You want to ask about the new software. What do you say?
- A. I am having a question about the new software.
- B. I have a question about the new software.
- C. I am having a doubt about the new software.
Answer: B. “I have a question” is the correct and professional choice.
Question 2: You are writing a formal email to your manager. Which is the best phrase?
- A. I have a query regarding the deadline.
- B. I am having a query regarding the deadline.
- C. I’ve got a query regarding the deadline.
Answer: A. “I have a query” is formal and appropriate for email. “I’ve got” is too informal.
Question 3: You are talking to a close friend. Which sounds most natural?
- A. I have a question for you.
- B. I am having a question for you.
- C. Can I ask you something?
Answer: C. “Can I ask you something?” is very natural in casual conversation. A is also correct but slightly more direct.
Question 4: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- A. I am having a good time.
- B. I am having a question.
- C. I am having a car.
Answer: A. “I am having a good time” is correct because “have” here means “to experience,” which is a dynamic use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “I am having a doubt” correct English?
No, “I am having a doubt” is not standard English. The correct phrase is “I have a doubt.” However, in many languages, the word for “doubt” is used where English uses “question.” So, if you mean you want to ask something, say “I have a question.” If you genuinely are unsure about something, you can say “I have a doubt,” but “I am not sure” or “I have a question” are more common.
2. Can I say “I am having a problem”?
Yes, you can. “I am having a problem” is correct because “having a problem” describes a temporary experience or situation. For example: “I am having a problem with my internet connection.” This is a dynamic use of “have.” You can also say “I have a problem,” which is also correct and very common.
3. What is the difference between “I have a question” and “I have got a question”?
They mean the same thing. “I have got a question” is more common in informal British English. “I have a question” is standard in both American and British English and is appropriate for all situations. Avoid using “I have got” in very formal writing.
4. Is it ever correct to say “I am having a question”?
In standard English, it is almost never correct. The only exception is in very informal, non-standard speech where someone treats the question as a temporary difficulty. For example, “I’m having a question about this form” might be heard, but it is not grammatically precise. To be safe, always use “I have a question.”
Final Tip for Workplace English
In a professional environment, clarity and correctness are key. Using “I have a question” is simple, clear, and grammatically perfect. Avoid the temptation to use “I am having a question.” If you want to sound more polite, use “I would like to ask a question” or “May I ask a question?” For more help with common speaking errors, explore our other guides in the Speaking Mistake Fixes category. You can also review our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these resources.
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