have a dream

Meaning

This phrase has two common meanings. It can refer to the stories and images our brains create while we are sleeping, or it can describe a strong hope, wish, or ambition for the future. It is a very common, neutral expression used in everyday conversations.

Examples

• I had a really strange dream last night about flying over the ocean.

  I had a really strange dream last night about flying over the ocean.

• Do you ever have dreams that feel completely real?

  Do you ever have dreams that feel completely real?

• She has a dream of opening her own bakery one day.

  She has a dream of opening her own bakery one day.

• I didn't sleep well because I kept having bad dreams.

  I didn't sleep well because I kept having bad dreams.

• Many young musicians have a dream of performing on a big stage.

  Many young musicians have a dream of performing on a big stage.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I saw a dream last night.

  ✓ I had a dream last night.

  In English, we do not 'see' dreams while sleeping; we always use the verb 'have' or 'experience'.

• ✗ My brother has the dream to become a pilot.

  ✓ My brother has a dream of becoming a pilot.

  Use 'have a dream of [verb-ing]' or 'have a dream to [verb]' rather than 'the dream to'. 'A dream' is more natural when speaking generally about aspirations.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I ___ about my old school friends last night.

  💡 Use the past tense of the expression.

  Show answer

  had a dream

• It is important to ___ and work hard to achieve it.

  💡 Use the base form of the expression.

  Show answer

  have a dream