I have to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I have to do' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of obligation to perform a task or action. Example sentence: "I have to do my homework before I can watch TV."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to do nothing.

The New York Times

I have to do this".

The New York Times

I have to do something".

The New York Times

I have to do better".

The New York Times - Sports

I have to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

I have to do it.

The New York Times

And I have to do what I have to do.

The New York Times

But I have to do two things.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have to do it for James".

The New York Times

"I have to do it justice".

The New York Times - Arts

"I do what I have to do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have to do" to clearly express obligation or necessity in both formal and informal contexts. It's versatile and easily understood.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "I have to do" can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I need to do", "I must do", or "I am required to do" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have to do" functions as an expression of obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to indicate required actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have to do" is a common and grammatically sound way to express obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's versatile and appears in various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to everyday conversations. While "I have to do" is widely acceptable, consider varying your language with alternatives such as "I need to do" or "I must do" to avoid repetition. The usage patterns reveal its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science, showcasing its adaptability across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I must do

Replaces "have to" with "must", conveying a strong sense of obligation or requirement.

I need to do

Uses "need to" instead of "have to", which is a slightly weaker expression of necessity.

I am obliged to do

Replaces "have to" with "am obliged to", indicating a formal obligation.

I am required to do

Substitutes "have to" with "am required to", implying a rule or necessity.

It is my duty to do

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal declaration of duty.

I'm bound to do

Indicates a sense of obligation or commitment to perform the action.

I am compelled to do

Emphasizes the feeling of being forced or strongly urged to act.

It's essential that I do

Shifts the focus to the essential nature of the action.

It's necessary for me to do

Highlights the necessity of the action.

I'm slated to do

Implies that the action is scheduled or planned, making it necessary to complete.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I have to do"?

You can use alternatives like "I need to do", "I must do", or "I am required to do" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have to do"?

Yes, the phrase "I have to do" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English to express obligation or necessity.

How can I use "I have to do" in a sentence?

You can use "I have to do" followed by a verb and any necessary objects or modifiers. For example, "I have to do my homework", or "I have to do what's best for my family".

What's the difference between "I have to do" and "I want to do"?

"I have to do" indicates an obligation or requirement, meaning you are compelled to perform the action. In contrast, "I want to do" expresses a desire or preference, meaning you wish to perform the action but are not necessarily obligated.