Is It Correct to Say ‘I am having a question’?

No, it is not correct to say “I am having a question” in standard English. The correct phrase is “I have a question.” The verb “to have” is a stative verb when it means “to possess” or “to own,” and stative verbs are not typically used in the continuous (progressive) tense. Saying “I am having a question” sounds unnatural to native speakers and is a common mistake for learners of English.

Quick Answer

Use “I have a question” for all standard situations, whether in casual conversation, formal emails, or classroom settings. Avoid “I am having a question” entirely. The only exception is if you are using “having” in a different sense, such as “I am having a baby” (giving birth) or “I am having a party” (hosting an event).

Why “I am having a question” Is Incorrect

English verbs are divided into two main types: action verbs and stative verbs. Action verbs describe actions or processes (e.g., run, eat, write). Stative verbs describe a state of being, feelings, beliefs, or possession (e.g., know, believe, own, have).

The verb “have” is stative when it means “to possess” or “to hold in mind.” Because a state is not an ongoing action, we do not use it in the continuous form. Compare these examples:

• Correct: I have a car. (possession)
• Incorrect: I am having a car.
• Correct: I have a question. (possession of a thought)
• Incorrect: I am having a question.

However, “have” can be an action verb in certain expressions, such as “have a meal,” “have a meeting,” or “have a good time.” In these cases, the continuous form is natural:

• Correct: I am having lunch right now.
• Correct: We are having a meeting at 3 PM.

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

Natural Examples

Here are correct ways to use “have a question” in different contexts:

In Conversation

• “Excuse me, I have a question about the schedule.”
• “Do you have any questions before we start?”
• “She had a question about the homework, but she forgot to ask.”

In Emails

• “Dear Mr. Chen, I have a question regarding the invoice you sent yesterday.”
• “Please let me know if you have any questions about the proposal.”
• “I have a quick question about the deadline.”

In Formal Writing

• “If the reader has a question about the policy, they should contact HR.”
• “The committee had several questions for the presenter.”

Common Mistakes

Here are frequent errors learners make with “have a question”:

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

Notice that the mistake always involves using the continuous form (am having, is having, are having, was having) when the meaning is possession of a query.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

While “I have a question” is the standard and most common phrase, there are alternatives depending on the tone and context:

Formal Alternatives

• “I would like to ask a question.” – Use in formal meetings, presentations, or when speaking to a superior. Example: “I would like to ask a question about the budget forecast.”
• “May I ask a question?” – Polite and formal, suitable for classrooms or professional settings. Example: “May I ask a question about the new policy?”
• “I have an inquiry.” – Very formal, often used in written correspondence. Example: “I have an inquiry regarding your services.”

Informal Alternatives

• “Can I ask you something?” – Casual and friendly, perfect for conversations with colleagues or friends. Example: “Can I ask you something about the project?”
• “I’ve got a question.” – Common in spoken English, slightly more informal than “I have a question.” Example: “I’ve got a question about the directions.”
• “Quick question.” – Very informal, used to signal a short query. Example: “Quick question: what time is the meeting?”

When to Use “I am having” Correctly

Remember that “I am having” is correct when “have” is an action verb. Use it in these situations:

• Eating or drinking: “I am having coffee.”
• Experiencing an event: “We are having a great time.”
• Hosting: “They are having a party on Saturday.”
• Medical situations (giving birth): “She is having a baby.”
• Receiving services: “I am having my car repaired.”

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. I _____ a question about the grammar lesson.
   a) am having
   b) have
   c) am having had
   Answer: b) have
2. We _____ lunch at the new restaurant right now.
   a) have
   b) are having
   c) has
   Answer: b) are having
3. _____ you _____ any questions about the instructions?
   a) Are / having
   b) Do / have
   c) Have / having
   Answer: b) Do / have
4. She _____ a question for the manager yesterday.
   a) was having
   b) had
   c) is having
   Answer: b) had

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “I am having a doubt” correct?

No. Similar to “have a question,” the verb “have” when expressing doubt is stative. The correct phrase is “I have a doubt” (though in American English, “I have a question” or “I am unsure” is more common). Avoid “I am having a doubt.”

2. Can I say “I am having a problem”?

Yes, but only in specific contexts. “I am having a problem” is acceptable when describing an ongoing experience, such as “I am having a problem with my computer.” However, “I have a problem” is also correct and often more direct. Both are used, but “I have a problem” is more common for stating a fact.

3. Why do some native speakers say “I am having a question” in informal speech?

You might occasionally hear this in very casual or regional speech, but it is considered non-standard. Most native speakers will correct themselves or recognize it as an error. For learners, it is safest to always use “I have a question.”

4. Is “I have a question” formal or informal?

“I have a question” is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings. You can use it in a job interview, a classroom, an email to your boss, or a chat with a friend. For very formal situations, consider “I would like to ask a question” or “May I ask a question.”

Final Tip for Workplace English

In professional emails and meetings, using “I have a question” is perfectly appropriate. If you want to sound more polished, add a polite opener: “I hope this message finds you well. I have a question about…” For more guidance on professional communication, explore our Email Phrase Corrections section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for other common errors. If you have further questions about this topic, please contact us. For more learning resources, visit our FAQ page.