The Uses of "Have to" in English

"Have to" is a modal-like expression in English used to indicate obligation, necessity, or external requirements. While similar to must, "have to" is often used in slightly different contexts, especially when the obligation comes from an external source rather than personal opinion. This article will explore the various uses of "have to" and provide examples and exercises for better understanding.

1. To Express Obligation or Necessity

"Have to" is used to indicate that something is necessary or required. It is often associated with external rules, requirements, or circumstances.

Examples:

• You have to wear a uniform at work.

• I have to submit my assignment by Friday.

• We have to follow the school rules.

2. To Talk About Daily Routines or Responsibilities

"Have to" is commonly used to describe responsibilities or tasks that are part of everyday life.

Examples:

• I have to wake up early for work every day.

• He has to take care of his younger sister after school.

• Do we have to clean our rooms before going out?

3. To Express Lack of Necessity (in the Negative Form)

In the negative form, "don’t have to" or "doesn’t have to" is used to show that something is not necessary.

Examples:

• You don’t have to bring your own food; lunch is provided.

• She doesn’t have to attend the meeting—it’s optional.

• We don’t have to finish this today; we can do it tomorrow.

4. To Ask Questions About Necessity

"Have to" is often used in questions to inquire whether something is required.

Examples:

• Do I have to pay for the tickets in advance?

• Does he have to work on weekends?

• What do we have to bring to the event?

5. To Express Past Obligation

In the past, "have to" changes to "had to" to indicate that something was necessary or required in the past.

Examples:

• I had to study late last night for the exam.

• They had to cancel their trip because of bad weather.

• Did you have to work overtime yesterday?

6. To Emphasize External Rules or Situations

Unlike must, which can express personal feelings about necessity, "have to" usually reflects obligations imposed by external factors or rules.

Examples:

• Drivers have to stop at a red light. (a traffic rule)

• You have to show your passport at the airport. (a formal requirement)

• Students have to pass the final exam to graduate. (a school regulation)

7. To Express Certainty (Less Common)

Though less common, "have to" can sometimes be used to express certainty, similar to must.

Examples:

• There has to be a mistake in the calculations.

• He has to be the tallest person in the class!

• This has to be the best pizza I’ve ever had.

Grammar Notes

1. Forming Sentences with "Have to":

   • Present tense:

     • Affirmative: I have to go. / She has to leave.

     • Negative: I don’t have to go. / She doesn’t have to leave.

     • Question: Do you have to go? / Does she have to leave?

   • Past tense:

     • Affirmative: I had to go.

     • Negative: I didn’t have to go.

     • Question: Did you have to go?

2. Difference Between "Must" and "Have to":

   • Must is often subjective (personal opinion or emphasis).

     • I must study harder. (personal decision)

   • Have to is more objective (external obligation).

     • I have to study harder because my teacher said so.

Common Expressions with "Have to"

• Have to do with (related to):

  • This book has to do with history.

• What does that have to do with me? (Why is it relevant?):

  • A: The project failed. B: What does that have to do with me?

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "have to."

1. I ________ finish this report before the meeting tomorrow.

2. He ________ wake up early because his train leaves at 6 a.m.

3. They ________ bring their own laptops to the training session.

4. We ________ clean the house this weekend—it’s spotless! (negative)

5. ________ she take her exam today, or can she reschedule it?

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using "don’t have to" or "doesn’t have to."

1. It is not necessary for you to bring a gift.

2. She is not required to attend the party.

3. We are not obligated to finish this work right now.

4. He is not required to pay for this service.

Exercise 3: Choose the correct option.

1. You ________ wear a helmet when riding a bike.
   a) have to
   b) don’t have to

2. She ________ leave early yesterday because of an emergency.
   a) had to
   b) has to

3. They ________ bring snacks; we already have plenty.
   a) have to
   b) don’t have to

4. ________ we bring our IDs to enter the building?
   a) Do we have to
   b) Did we have to