have 3 S1 W3 BrE AmE verb , have to do something ( also have got to do something especially British English )
1 . if you have to do something, you must do it because it is necessary or because someone makes you do it:
We don’t have to rush – there’s plenty of time.
I hate having to get up early in the morning.
If you earn more than £5,000, you will have to pay tax.
I’ve got to be at the hospital at 4 o'clock.
It’ll have to be on a Sunday. I’ll be working every other day.
REGISTER
In writing, people often prefer to say someone is forced to do something or is obliged to do something, as these sound more formal than have to do something:
▪ They had to pay tax on the full amount. ➔ They were obliged to pay tax on the full amount.
▪ | Many businesses have had to close. ➔ Many businesses have been forced to close.
2 . used to say that it is important that something happens, or that something must happen if something else is to happen:
There has to be an end to the violence.
You’ve got to believe me!
There will have to be a complete ceasefire before the Government will agree to talks.
You have to be good to succeed in this game.
3 . used to tell someone how to do something:
First of all you have to mix the flour and the butter.
4 . used to say that you are sure that something will happen or something is true:
House prices have to go up sooner or later.
This has to be a mistake.
You have got to be joking!
No one else could have done it – it had to be Neville.
5 . used to suggest that someone should do something because you think it would be enjoyable or useful:
You’ll have to come and meet my wife some time.
6 . spoken used when something annoying happens in a way that things always seem to happen:
Of course it had to happen today, when all the shops are shut.
7 . spoken used to say that only one thing or person is good enough or right for someone:
For Francesca it has to be the Ritz – nowhere else will do.
8 . do you have to do something? spoken used to ask someone to stop doing something that annoys you:
Lieutenant, do you have to keep repeating everything I’ve just said?
9 . I have to say/admit/confess spoken used to show that you are making an honest statement even though it may be embarrassing for you:
I have to say I don’t know the first thing about computers.
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