I have to go

Modal verbs: obligations, statements

 

When talking about things that need to be done (obligations), we use ‘have to’ or ‘must’:

  • She must stay in bed until her back is better.
  • George has to go to New York on business.

 

The verb ‘must‘ expresses stronger obligation or obligation important for a speaker.

 

The verb ‘have to‘ expresses an obligation due to circumstances or outside factors (e.g. laws, agreements, other people’s orders, etc.).

  • I must stop smoking. (I really need to)
  • I have to stop smoking. (doctor’s orders)

 

We form positive statements with ‘must’ like this:

 

  subject + must + the verb (base form without ‘to’):

 

Singular Plural
I must go

You must go

He/she/it must go

 We must go

You must go

They must go
  • I must call my sister this evening.
  • All visitors must go to the reception first.

 

We form positive statements with ‘have to’ like this:

 

  subject + have/has to + the verb (base form):

 

Singular Plural
I have to go

You have to go

He/she/it has to go

 We have to go

You have to go

They have to go
  • We have to wait here for a taxi.
  • Mary has to start work at 8am.