Better Way to Say ‘I am having a question’ in English

If you have ever said “I am having a question” in an English conversation or email, you may have noticed a strange reaction from a native speaker. The direct answer is that the correct and natural phrase is “I have a question.” The verb “have” is a stative verb when it means “possess” or “own,” and stative verbs are not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form. Saying “I am having a question” sounds unnatural because it suggests the question is a temporary physical experience, like a headache or a meal, rather than a thought you possess.

Quick Answer

Use “I have a question” in almost every situation. Avoid “I am having a question.” If you want to sound very polite or formal in a meeting, you can say “I have a question I would like to ask” or “May I ask a question?” For casual conversation, simply say “I have a question” or “Can I ask you something?”

Why “I am having a question” is a Mistake

The confusion usually comes from learners who hear phrases like “I am having dinner” or “I am having a good time.” In those cases, “have” is an action verb meaning “to eat” or “to experience.” When “have” means “to possess” or “to hold in your mind,” it is a stative verb. Stative verbs describe a state or condition that does not change easily, and they do not take the continuous form.

Compare these two sentences:

• I am having lunch. (Correct – “have” means “eat,” an action)
• I am having a question. (Incorrect – “have” means “possess,” a state)

This rule applies to other stative verbs too. You would not say “I am knowing the answer” or “I am wanting a coffee.” You say “I know the answer” and “I want a coffee.”

Comparison Table: “Have” as Stative vs. Action Verb

As you can see, “I am having a question” is the only incorrect phrase in the table. The key is to check whether “have” means “possess” or “experience.” If it means “possess,” use the simple present.

Natural Examples

Here are natural ways to use the correct phrase in different situations:

• In a classroom or training: “Excuse me, I have a question about the deadline.”
• In a business meeting: “Before we move on, I have a question regarding the budget.”
• In a casual conversation: “Hey, I have a question for you. What time does the store close?”
• In an email: “Dear Mr. Chen, I have a question about the invoice you sent yesterday.”
• On a phone call: “Hi, I have a quick question about my account.”

Notice that none of these examples use “am having.” The simple present “have” is clear, direct, and grammatically correct.

Common Mistakes

Below are the most frequent errors learners make with this phrase, along with corrections:

• Mistake: “I am having a question about the report.”
  Correction: “I have a question about the report.”
• Mistake: “She is having a question for the presenter.”
  Correction: “She has a question for the presenter.”
• Mistake: “Are you having any questions?”
  Correction: “Do you have any questions?”
• Mistake: “I was having a question during the lecture.”
  Correction: “I had a question during the lecture.”
• Mistake: “We are having a question about the policy.”
  Correction: “We have a question about the policy.”

A common exception to remember: “I am having second thoughts” is correct because “having second thoughts” is an idiomatic expression meaning “experiencing doubt.” But this is a fixed phrase, not a general rule.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

While “I have a question” is the best all-purpose phrase, there are situations where a different expression might be more appropriate. Here are some alternatives:

Formal or Polite Situations

• “May I ask a question?” – Use in formal meetings, presentations, or when speaking to a senior colleague. It shows respect.
• “I would like to ask a question.” – Slightly more formal than “I have a question.” Good for written emails or formal discussions.
• “Could I raise a point?” – Use when you want to introduce a new topic or concern, not just a simple question.

Casual or Informal Situations

• “Can I ask you something?” – Very common in everyday conversation with friends or coworkers.
• “Quick question.” – Use when you want to signal that your question is short and simple. Example: “Quick question – is the meeting still at 3?”
• “I have a quick one.” – Informal and friendly. Example: “I have a quick one about the schedule.”

When You Are Unsure

• “I have a question, but I am not sure how to phrase it.” – Use when you are confused or need help forming the question.
• “This might be a silly question, but…” – Use to soften your question if you feel it is basic or obvious.

In all cases, avoid “I am having a question.” It will always sound wrong to native speakers.

Mini Practice: 4 Questions with Answers

Test your understanding with these short exercises. Choose the correct option.

1. Which sentence is correct?
A) I am having a question about the project.
B) I have a question about the project.
C) I am having question about the project.

Answer: B) I have a question about the project.

2. Fill in the blank: “Excuse me, ______ any questions about the instructions?”
A) are you having
B) do you have
C) you have

Answer: B) do you have

3. Which sentence is correct in a formal email?
A) I am having a question regarding your proposal.
B) I have a question regarding your proposal.
C) I am having question regarding your proposal.

Answer: B) I have a question regarding your proposal.

4. True or False: “I am having a question” is acceptable in casual conversation.
A) True
B) False

Answer: B) False. It is never correct, even in casual conversation.

FAQ: Common Questions About This Mistake

1. Is “I am having a question” ever correct in any dialect of English?

No. In standard American, British, Australian, or any other major dialect of English, “I am having a question” is considered a grammatical error. Some non-native speakers may use it, but native speakers will notice it as incorrect. Stick with “I have a question.”

2. What about “I am having a problem”? Is that correct?

Yes, “I am having a problem” is correct because “having a problem” means “experiencing a difficulty,” which is an action or experience, not a state of possession. For example: “I am having a problem with my internet connection.” However, “I have a problem” is also correct and more common. Both are acceptable, but “I have a problem” is simpler.

3. Can I say “I have got a question”?

Yes, “I have got a question” is grammatically correct and common in informal British English and some American English. It means the same as “I have a question.” For example: “I have got a question about the homework.” In formal writing, “I have a question” is preferred. Avoid “I have got a question” in very formal emails or presentations.

4. Why do some learners say “I am having a question”?

This mistake often comes from direct translation from languages that use continuous forms differently. For example, in some languages, the equivalent of “I am having a question” is natural. Learners also overgeneralize the rule for action verbs like “having dinner” or “having fun.” The best way to fix this is to remember that “have” meaning “possess” is always stative and never takes the -ing form.

Final Tip for Workplace English

In a professional setting, using correct grammar builds credibility. Saying “I have a question” instead of “I am having a question” is a small change that makes a big difference. If you want to learn more about common grammar mistakes in the workplace, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. For help with email writing, visit our Email Phrase Corrections page. And if you need to fix speaking errors, check out Speaking Mistake Fixes. For more general corrections like this one, see our Better English Corrections category. If you have any questions about this guide, feel free to contact us.