Question 1

What does "have to" mean?

Accepted Answer

To be required or obliged to do something, especially by an external rule, law, or situation.

Question 2

How do you use "have to" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

You have to show your passport at the border — no exceptions.

Question 3

Is "have to" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"have to" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. One of the most fundamental modal expressions in English, functioning like a modal verb. 'Have to' expresses external obligation (rules, laws, other people's requirements). In the negative, 'don't have to' means it is NOT necessary (unlike 'must not', which means it is forbidden). Also used for logical deduction (e.g., 'That has to be wrong').

have to

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