Complete Guide to Using “I have to + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I have to + verb” expresses necessity, obligation, or something that must be done. This essential structure helps communicate responsibilities and requirements in daily life.

“I have to” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context Type
1	I have to switch schools.	मुझे स्कूल बदलना है।	Educational necessity
2	I have to use the telephone.	मुझे फोन का उपयोग करना है।	Immediate need
3	I have to go to the bathroom.	मुझे बाथरूम जाना है।	Physical need
4	I have to leave now.	मुझे अभी जाना है।	Time constraint
5	I have to unpack my bags.	मुझे अपने बैग अनपैक करने हैं।	Chore
6	I have to finish this report.	मुझे यह रिपोर्ट पूरी करनी है।	Work obligation
7	I have to call my mother.	मुझे अपनी माँ को फोन करना है।	Family responsibility
8	I have to pay the bills.	मुझे बिल भरने हैं।	Financial duty
9	I have to wake up early.	मुझे जल्दी उठना है।	Daily requirement
10	I have to study for exams.	मुझे परीक्षा के लिए पढ़ना है।	Academic need
11	I have to buy groceries.	मुझे किराने का सामान खरीदना है।	Shopping necessity
12	I have to attend the meeting.	मुझे मीटिंग में शामिल होना है।	Professional duty
13	I have to visit the doctor.	मुझे डॉक्टर के पास जाना है।	Health requirement
14	I have to return the book.	मुझे किताब वापस करनी है।	Library obligation
15	I have to cook dinner.	मुझे रात का खाना बनाना है।	Household chore

Negative Form: “I don’t have to” (No obligation)

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I don’t have to switch schools.	मुझे स्कूल बदलने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
2	I don’t have to work today.	मुझे आज काम करने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
3	I don’t have to wake up early.	मुझे जल्दी उठने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
4	I don’t have to attend.	मुझे भाग लेने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
5	I don’t have to pay now.	मुझे अभी भुगतान करने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।

Key Grammar Rules

1. Structure:
   • Always use “have to” + base form of verb
   • Correct: “I have to go”
   • Incorrect: “I have to going”
2. Pronunciation Note:
   • Often pronounced as “I hafta” in casual speech
3. Question Form:
   • “Do I have to…?”
   • Example: “Do I have to finish this today?”
4. Past Tense:
   • “I had to” for past obligations
   • Example: “I had to visit the doctor yesterday”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “I have going to school”
✅ “I have to go to school” (base verb form)

❌ “I must to finish this” (confusing with “must”)
✅ “I have to finish this”

❌ “I don’t have going”
✅ “I don’t have to go”

Practice Exercises

1. Express your daily obligations: “I have to ______”
2. Mention unnecessary actions: “I don’t have to ______”
3. Ask about requirements: “Do I have to ______?”