Have Got To
"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.
Examples:
- Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the US. necessity
- I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM. obligation
Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have got to" behaves in different contexts.
| Use | Positive Forms 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future | Negative Forms 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future | Also use: |
| have got to necessity | 1. People have got to be on time if they want to get a seat in the crowded theater.2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" You had to be on time if you wanted to get a seat in the crowded theater. 3. You have got to be there on time tonight if you want to get a seat in the crowded theater. | 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" People don't have to be there on time to get a seat.2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" You didn't have to be there on time to get a seat. 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" You won't have to be there on time to get a seat. | have to, must |
| haven't got to future obligation | Haven't you got to be there by 7:00?Haven't you got to finish that project today? "Haven't got to" is primarily used to ask about future obligations. It can be used in statements, but this is less common. | Don't you have to |
EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS
- Modal Exercise 5 have got to, had better, may and shall
- Modal Exercise 7 modal verb forms
- Modal Verb Final Test complete review