Have To vs. Has To — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on September 30, 2023
"Have to" and "has to" both express obligation, but "have to" is used with "I," "we," "you," and "they," while "has to" is used with "he," "she," and "it."
Difference Between Have To and Has To
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Have to" and "has to" are modal verb phrases used to indicate necessity or obligation. "Have to" is versatile and finds its place with most personal pronouns, such as "I," "you," "we," and "they." On the other hand, "has to" is specific in its usage, aligning with third-person singular subjects: "he," "she," and "it."
When one uses "have to," it implies an external obligation or requirement. For instance, when someone says, "They have to complete the assignment," it indicates a responsibility or mandate. Similarly, "has to" carries the same implication of necessity but adheres to its grammatical constraint of being used with third-person singular subjects.
In the context of questions, both "have to" and "has to" can be employed to inquire about obligations. For example, "Do you have to go to the meeting?" or "Does she has to attend the class?" Note, however, that while the form "have" remains consistent in questions, "has" is replaced by "does" and the base form "have" follows.
From a tense perspective, "have to" and "has to" are present tense forms. When expressing obligation in the past, one would say "had to," regardless of the subject. For instance, "I had to" or "She had to."
Both "have to" and "has to" can be negated using "do not" or "does not" respectively. "I don't have to" suggests a lack of obligation, as does "She doesn't has to."
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Comparison Chart
Personal Pronouns
I, you, we, they
He, she, it
Indication
Necessity or obligation
Necessity or obligation with third-person singular
Question Form
Do you have to?
Does she has to?
Past Tense
Had to
Had to
Negation
Don't have to
Doesn't has to
Compare with Definitions
Have To
Used to denote an external compulsion or necessity.
They have to wear uniforms at school.
Has To
Denotes requirements or prerequisites.
The engine has to be checked before the trip.
Have To
Shows an action that is deemed necessary.
You have to see that movie; it's fantastic!
Has To
Indicates a necessary action or deed.
The computer has to be rebooted.
Have To
"Have to" indicates an obligation or requirement.
I have to finish this project by tomorrow.
Has To
Expresses mandatory rules or protocols.
He has to wear a helmet when biking.
Have To
Represents a duty or task that needs completion.
We have to get groceries after work.
Has To
"Has to" signifies an obligation for third-person singular subjects.
She has to study for her finals.
Have To
Can be used to signify rules or laws.
In this state, you have to wear seat belts.
Has To
Points to a compulsion for a task.
The cat has to be fed twice a day.
Common Curiosities
How do I negate "have to"?
Use "don't" before "have to," as in "I don't have to."
How do I ask a question using "have to"?
Use the auxiliary "do" or "does," like "Do you have to?" or "Does she has to?"
When should I use "have to"?
Use "have to" with "I," "we," "you," and "they."
Can "has to" be used with plural subjects?
No, "has to" is used with third-person singular subjects like "he," "she," and "it."
Is there a past tense form of "have to" and "has to"?
Yes, both convert to "had to" for the past tense.
What's the negative form of "has to"?
It's "doesn't has to."
Do "have to" and "has to" indicate a personal feeling or external obligation?
They usually indicate an external obligation or requirement.
Can I say "She have to"?
No, the correct form is "She has to."
Is "has to" used in American English?
Yes, both "have to" and "has to" are used in American English.
Are there any other tenses for "has to"?
For the past, it's "had to." For future, "will have to" works for all subjects.
How do I use "has to" in a question?
Use "Does" as the auxiliary, like "Does she has to go?"
Can "have to" and "has to" be used interchangeably?
No, they differ based on the subject they're used with.
How do I use "have to" in the negative?
"I don't have to," "You don't have to," etc.
How is "have to" different from "must"?
While both indicate obligation, "have to" often implies an external obligation, whereas "must" can be more internal or subjective.
What's the future form of "have to"?
You can use "will have to," e.g., "I will have to go."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
