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The phrase "had to scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the necessity of scratching an itch or a surface, or metaphorically, to indicate the need to eliminate or remove something.
Example: "After hours of work, I had to scratch my head in confusion over the complex problem."
Alternatives: "needed to scratch" or "was compelled to scratch."
Exact(45)
The kid had to scratch, for God's sake.
"They had to scratch, claw and bite their way there.
He had to scratch to come up with the money for a decent coffin.
Reluctantly, however, I've just had to scratch Saratoga off my list of 2015 appearances.
But you only had to scratch the surface to see that something was rotten underneath.
To make any changes, we had to scratch out the drawings with a scalpel.
Similar(15)
A horse would have to scratch by 9 a.m.
"You have to scratch your head about that".
I didn't have to scratch my way up".
You have to scratch the surface to get to the essence of what's going on".
Said Mr. Wanger: "We'll have to scratch and claw our way to the top".
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com