In English, we use "have to," "have got to," and "must" to express necessity or obligation. Here's a breakdown of their usage and nuances:
Have to
* General obligation: Indicates that something is necessary or required, often due to an external rule or law.
* Examples:
* I have to wear a uniform at work.
* You have to be 18 to vote in most countries.
Have got to
* Emphasis on obligation: Similar to "have to," but with a stronger sense of urgency or importance.
* More informal: More common in spoken English than in formal writing.
* Examples:
* I've got to finish this report by tomorrow.
* We've got to leave early to catch the flight.
Must
* Personal obligation: Indicates a strong feeling of necessity or a personal decision.
* Internal obligation: Often used when the speaker feels a strong moral or ethical obligation.
* Examples:
* I must quit smoking for my health.
* We must help those in need.
Additional notes:
* Past tense: The past tense of all three is "had to."
* Negative form:
* "Don't have to" means there is no obligation.
* "Mustn't" means it is prohibited.
* Questions: Use "do/does/did have to" for questions.
* Subtlety: The choice between "have to," "have got to," and "must" can depend on the specific context and the speaker's intention.
In summary:
* Have to: General obligation
* Have got to: Stronger emphasis on obligation, more informal
* Must: Personal or internal obligation
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