Common Speaking Mistake: ‘I am having a question’ Explained
If you have ever said, “I am having a question,” you are not alone. This is a very common speaking mistake for English learners. The direct answer is: “I am having a question” is not correct in standard English. 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 usually used in the continuous (ing) form. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, show you how to fix it, and give you natural alternatives for real conversations.
Quick Answer: What Should You Say?
Use “I have a question” for almost all situations. Use “I have a question about…” to be more specific. Avoid “I am having a question” in both formal and informal English. The only time “having” works is when you are talking about an experience or an action, such as “I am having a problem” or “I am having a good time.”
Why Is “I am having a question” a Mistake?
The verb “have” can be either a stative verb or a dynamic verb. When “have” means “to possess,” “to own,” or “to hold in mind,” it is stative. Stative verbs describe a state or condition that does not change easily, so they are not used in the continuous tense. For example:
- Correct: I have a car. (Not: I am having a car.)
- Correct: She has two brothers. (Not: She is having two brothers.)
- Correct: He has a question. (Not: He is having a question.)
When “have” is dynamic, it describes an action or experience. Then the continuous form is fine:
- I am having dinner. (action: eating)
- We are having a meeting. (action: participating)
- She is having a baby. (action: giving birth or being pregnant)
Because “a question” is something you possess in your mind, it is a state, not an action. Therefore, “I am having a question” sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Formal vs. Informal Context
The mistake “I am having a question” is equally wrong in both formal and informal settings. However, the correct alternatives can vary slightly by tone.
| Context | Correct Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal (meeting, email, presentation) | “I have a question.” or “I have a question regarding…” | “I have a question regarding the budget report.” |
| Informal (conversation with friends) | “I have a question.” or “Can I ask you something?” | “Hey, I have a question about the movie.” |
| Classroom or study group | “I have a question about…” | “I have a question about the homework.” |
| Customer service or support | “I have a question about my order.” | “I have a question about the delivery time.” |
In email writing, you might also use “I have a quick question” or “May I ask a question?” to sound polite. Never write “I am having a question” in a professional email.
Natural Examples
Here are natural sentences that native speakers use. Notice the simple present tense “have” is always used.
- “I have a question about the schedule.”
- “She has a question for the teacher.”
- “Do you have any questions?”
- “He has a question about the grammar rule.”
- “I have a question: why is the sky blue?”
- “They have a question regarding the payment.”
If you want to be more polite or indirect, you can say:
- “Could I ask a question?”
- “I was wondering if I could ask something.”
- “May I ask a question?”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “have” and “question.”
- Mistake: “I am having a question.”
Fix: “I have a question.” - Mistake: “I am having a doubt.”
Fix: “I have a doubt.” (Though “doubt” is less common in American English; “question” is better.) - Mistake: “I am having a problem.”
Note: This is actually correct if you mean you are currently experiencing a problem. For example, “I am having a problem with my computer.” But if you mean you possess a problem in mind, use “I have a problem.” - Mistake: “I am having an idea.”
Fix: “I have an idea.” - Mistake: “I am having a suggestion.”
Fix: “I have a suggestion.”
Remember: if the noun is something you possess or hold in your mind (question, idea, doubt, suggestion, plan), use “have,” not “am having.”
Better Alternatives
Sometimes “I have a question” is the best choice, but you can also use these alternatives to sound more natural or polite in different situations.
- “Can I ask you something?” – Very common in casual conversation.
- “I’d like to ask a question.” – Polite and slightly formal.
- “May I ask a question?” – Formal and respectful.
- “I have a quick question.” – Shows you will not take much time.
- “Could you help me with something?” – Softens the request.
- “I was wondering about something.” – Indirect and polite.
Use these alternatives based on your audience. In a business meeting, “May I ask a question?” is safe. With friends, “Can I ask you something?” is natural.
When to Use “I am having” Correctly
To avoid confusion, here are situations where “I am having” is correct. Notice that these all involve an experience or an action.
- Eating or drinking: “I am having lunch.” / “I am having coffee.”
- Experiencing a problem: “I am having trouble with the software.”
- Enjoying an experience: “I am having a great time.”
- Participating in an event: “We are having a party on Saturday.”
- Medical or physical experience: “She is having a headache.” (Though “She has a headache” is also common.)
If you are not sure, ask yourself: Am I describing a state (possession) or an action/experience? If it is a state, use the simple present: “I have.” If it is an action or experience, you can use “I am having.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- I _____ a question about the homework.
a) am having
b) have
c) having - She _____ a good time at the party.
a) has
b) is having
c) have - We _____ a meeting right now.
a) have
b) are having
c) having - He _____ a doubt about the answer.
a) is having
b) has
c) having
Answers: 1. b) have, 2. b) is having, 3. b) are having, 4. b) has
Explanation: In sentence 1, “question” is a possession, so use “have.” In sentence 2, “having a good time” is an experience, so “is having” is correct. In sentence 3, “having a meeting” is an action, so “are having” is correct. In sentence 4, “doubt” is a state of mind, so use “has.”
FAQ: Common Questions About This Mistake
1. Is “I am having a question” ever correct in any dialect?
No. In standard English (American, British, Australian, etc.), “I am having a question” is not used. Some learners from certain language backgrounds may use it, but it is always considered a mistake by native speakers. Stick with “I have a question.”
2. What about “I have a doubt”? Is that correct?
“I have a doubt” is grammatically correct, but it is less common in American English. In American English, “doubt” usually means uncertainty or disbelief, not a question. For example, “I have a doubt about his honesty” means you are not sure he is honest. If you want to ask for clarification, use “I have a question.” In Indian English, “I have a doubt” is common and acceptable.
3. Can I say “I am having a query” instead?
No. “Query” is a synonym for question, and the same rule applies. Use “I have a query.” “I am having a query” is also incorrect. “Query” is more formal and often used in business or technical contexts.
4. Why do some people say “I am having a question” in movies or songs?
You might hear it in informal or non-native speech in movies or songs, but it is not standard. Song lyrics sometimes break grammar rules for rhythm or style. Do not copy it in real life. Always use “I have a question” for clear, correct English.
Final Tip for English Learners
To remember this rule, think of “have” as a verb that shows ownership. You own a question, an idea, or a doubt. You do not “do” a question. So use the simple present tense. If you catch yourself saying “I am having a question,” stop and change it to “I have a question.” With practice, it will become automatic. For more help with common speaking mistakes, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes category. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for other tricky verb rules.
