have a word with

Meaning

This expression means to speak to someone privately and briefly, usually to discuss a specific issue, give advice, or address a minor problem. It is often used by supervisors, parents, or friends when they need to bring up a serious or sensitive topic without making a public scene.

Examples

• Can I have a word with you in my office for a second?

  Can I have a word with you in my office for a second?

• I need to have a word with my roommate about the dirty dishes.

  I need to have a word with my roommate about the dirty dishes.

• The teacher had a word with Leo after class about his attendance.

  The teacher had a word with Leo after class about his attendance.

• If he keeps playing loud music, I'm going to have a word with him.

  If he keeps playing loud music, I'm going to have a word with him.

• Could we have a quick word with the manager before we leave?

  Could we have a quick word with the manager before we leave?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a word with my boss.

  ✓ I need to have a word with my boss.

  'Have' is the correct collocated verb here. You cannot use 'make' or 'do' with this expression.

• ✗ She wants to have a word to you.

  ✓ She wants to have a word with you.

  The correct preposition after 'have a word' is 'with', not 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The manager wants to ___ you about your late arrival yesterday.

  💡 Speak to you privately.

  Show answer

  have a word with

• I'll have to ___ the landlord about the broken heater.

  💡 Talk to someone about a problem.

  Show answer

  have a word with