When we use the phrase “I have to…,” it means that we are under obligation to do that thing. It is necessary for us to do that thing.
Pattern:
I / you / we / they have to + V (inf.)
He / she / it has to + V (inf.)
Examples:
I have to return the library book tomorrow. (I am obligated to return the library book tomorrow. Otherwise, it will be overdue.)
James has to clean his bedroom before supper. (It is necessary for him to clean his room. If he doesn’t, he will be in big trouble.)
Cathy has to pass this test, or else she will fail the course.
For the past tense, use “had to” + V (inf.):
I had to cut the grass yesterday.
Shirley had to take her cousin to the doctor last week.
Mr. Johnson had to give Jack an F on his exam.
For questions, use “Do / Does” + Subject + “have to” + V (inf.):
Does Tom have to study for his English test tomorrow?
Do I have to take the medicine before bedtime?
Do they have to leave early in the morning?
For negatives, use “don’t / doesn’t” + “have to” + V (inf.):
Mike doesn’t have to go to work on Monday.
I don’t have to see the dentist until next month.
We don’t have to move to Memphis.
For past tense questions: “Did” + Subject + “have to” + V (inf.):
Did Mike have to work last weekend?
Did you have to cut the grass yesterday?
Did she have to return the library book the other day?
For past tense negatives: “didn’t” + “have to”+ V (inf.):
I didn’t have to walk Mrs. Wilson’s dog.
Tom didn’t have to pay his parking ticket.
Mr. Smith didn’t have to pick up his mother-in-law at the airport.
Note: “must” can also be used instead of “have to”.
Pattern:
I / you / he, she, it / we / they + “must” + V (inf.):
Note: there is no “to” between “must” and V (inf.)!!
I must return the library book tomorrow. (not: I must to return the library book tomorrow.)
James must clean his bedroom before supper. (not: James must to clean his bedroom before supper.)
Cathy must pass this test, or else she will fail the course. (not: Cathy must to pass this test…)
Exercises: Complete the following sentences, using “have / has to” + one of the following verbs.
Example:
I’m going to bed now. I __________ early tomorrow morning. (get up) ==> I’m going to bed now. I have to get up early tomorrow morning.
Use these verbs:
cut
do
go
have
let
put on
sharpen
study
take
wear
1. We’ve had a lot of rain the past few days. I ______________ the grass this weekend.
2. The baby is sick. I ______________ him to the doctor.
3. When you make bread, you ______________ the dough rise.
4. When you are a student, you ______________ a lot of homework.
5. I can’t see very well, so I ______________ glasses.
6. Mary has fair skin, so she ______________ sunblock when she goes to the beach.
7. If you want to be good at English, you ______________ a lot.
8. John wants to become a doctor, so he ______________ to medical school.
9. If children go to public schools, they ______________ all their vaccinations.
10. If your pencil is dull, you ______________ it.