DictionaryhaveObligation
verb

have

Be required to do something.

We have to leave before the last train.

Etymology

The obligation construction treats a task as something one has before one to perform. Have to became the regular expression for being required to do it.

More examples

  • She has to wear a helmet.
  • I had to cancel our reservation.
  • Do we have to bring lunch?

Forms

have · has · had · having

Similar words

must
Expresses obligation directly; has no ordinary past tense.