Modals - have to / has to

Elementary (A2)en

Have to (obligation)

Modal Verb – HAVE TO/HAS TO

In this lesson, you will learn how to use have to to talk about obligation.

1. What Does HAVE TO Mean?
Use have to when something is:

necessary
a rule
not your personal choice

Think:
“This is required.”

2. HAVE TO – Structure

Positive sentences

Subject + have / has to + base verb

Examples:

“I have to work today.”
“She has to wear a uniform.”
“They have to leave early.”
Negative Sentences

Use do not (don't)/ does not (doesn't).
Subject + do / does + not (don't / doesn't) + have to + base verb

Examples:

“I don’t have to work tomorrow.”
“She doesn’t have to wear a uniform.”

Meaning:
→ It is not necessary.

Questions

Do / Does + subject + have to + base verb?

Examples:

“Do you have to wake up early?”
“Does he have to pay now?”

Short answers:

Yes → “Yes, I do.” / “Yes, he does.”
No → “No, I don’t.” / “No, he doesn’t.”

3. Common Uses of HAVE TO
Rules and Laws

Examples:

“You have to wear a seatbelt.”
“Students have to arrive on time.”

Responsibilities

Examples:

“I have to finish my homework.”
“She has to take care of her children.”

4. HAVE TO vs DON’T HAVE TO

Have to → necessary
Don’t have to → not necessary

Examples:

“You have to pay.” (It is required.)
“You don’t have to pay.” (It is optional.)

5. Easy Way to Remember
Have to = must because of rules or necessity

Practice Exercises

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Have to (obligation)

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Related Vocabulary

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Have to (obligation)

Modals (Have to)

2 words

have to

has to

phrase

An expression used to indicate obligation or necessity.

I have to finish my homework before I can go out.