How many legs does an octopus have?
How many legs does an octopus has?
If octopus is singular, why do we use "has" instead of "have"?
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FumbleFingers
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JJ12345
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1why do we use "has" instead of "have"? The short answer is *We don't!* This is "basic English". – FumbleFingers Sep 10 '17 at 14:14
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"has" is incorrect in this structure. The correct sentence is:
- How many legs does an octopus have?
The only way "has" can be correct is in this structure:
- How many legs has an octopus?
When we use the auxilary verb "do" in the interrogative it is always "have" with either plural or singular subject.
SovereignSun
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2Octopus "legs" or "arms" would be understood by most folks. Tentacles in informal spoken English could seem awkward in some cases. – ColleenV Sep 10 '17 at 14:05
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