Example | Question | Answer |
I have to study tonight | Do I have to study tonight? | Yes, I do |
She has to study tonight | Does she have to study tonight? | No, she doesn't |
Remember: “have got to” and “have to” are modal verbs and require a simple verb to follow them.
The “to” is part of the modal; it is not an infinitive “to”.
There is only one way to express past time with these modal verbs: HAD TO.
(There is no past tense of must/have got to). Examples:
Present time | Past time |
We must show our passport at the airport. | Last night, we had to show our passport at the airport. |
I have got to pay my phone bill soon. | I had to pay my phone bill this morning. |
They have to go to the meeting today. | They had to go to the meeting yesterday. |
Pronunciation notes for American English: