[ti:Have and Eat] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:02.60]This week, we answer a question from a reader in China. [00:08.04]Jojo writes: [00:10.12]Good day. I would like to know the difference [00:13.28]between "have" and "eat" and when to use them. [00:17.00]Thanks a lot. -Jojo, China [00:18.12]Hello Jojo! [00:20.84]When talking about a specific meal or food, [00:24.68]the verbs "eat" and "have" are often interchangeable. [00:30.76]That means either word can be used. [00:35.20]Listen to an example of when to choose either word: [00:40.64]I'm having breakfast right now. I'll see you in a little while. [00:45.76]I'm eating breakfast right now. I'll see you in a little while. [00:51.08]In the example, most Americans would probably use "eat" [00:55.56]but "have" would still sound natural. [01:00.16]And there is no different in meaning between the two. [01:05.40]But the word "have" is used in polite [01:08.96]or kind requests and offers that relate to food and meals. [01:15.04]In these cases, often the eating does not take place at home. [01:21.16]Here's an example of a kind offer from a friend: [01:25.80]Want to have dinner at my place? I'm making grilled fish. [01:31.40]We also use "have" when ordering food at a restaurant. [01:36.76]It does not matter what kind of restaurant it is. [01:41.08]We do not use eat. [01:44.36]Listen to this short restaurant exchange: [01:48.32]Good morning, what will you have? [01:51.12]We will have the oatmeal, thanks. [01:54.96]Here is something else to consider [01:57.08]when choosing one or the other: [01:59.68]The verb "have" is transitive. [02:02.68]That means we must always say what we ate or will eat. [02:09.60]For instance, in the restaurant exchange, [02:12.24]the man said they would have the oatmeal. [02:16.48]"Eat" is intransitive, [02:18.72]which means we do not have to say it. [02:22.64]So, you can say this: [02:25.76]I'm really hungry. Let's eat! [02:30.20]But you cannot say, "I'm really hungry. Let's have!" [02:36.20]You can, however, say: [02:39.36]I'm really hungry. Let's have pasta! [02:43.92]And that's Ask a Teacher for this week. [02:46.68]I'm Alice Bryant. 更多听力请访问51VOA.COM