have a word

Meaning

This idiom means to speak to someone briefly, usually in private. It is often used when you need to discuss a specific matter, ask a quick question, or address a minor issue without making it a big public discussion.

Examples

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

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

• I need to have a word with the manager about my schedule.

  I need to have a word with the manager about my schedule.

• The teacher asked to have a word with my parents after class.

  The teacher asked to have a word with my parents after class.

• Let me have a word with him and see if I can change his mind.

  Let me have a word with him and see if I can change his mind.

• She wanted to have a word about the budget before the meeting started.

  She wanted to have a word about the budget before the meeting started.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to have words with you.

  ✓ I need to have a word with you.

  'Have a word' (singular) means to have a brief, neutral conversation. 'Have words' (plural) is a different idiom that means to have an angry argument.

• ✗ Can I have a word to you?

  ✓ Can I have a word with you?

  The correct preposition to connect the phrase to the person you are speaking to is 'with,' not 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Excuse me, do you have a minute? I need to ___ with you.

  💡 Speak briefly in private.

  Show answer

  have a word

• The boss wants to ___ with Sarah about her recent project.

  💡 Have a short discussion.

  Show answer

  have a word