has to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone must leave or be removed from a situation or place. Example: "The old furniture has to go before we can make room for the new pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Christian has to go.

Independent

So he has to go.

The New Yorker

The regime has to go.

The New Yorker

"The cabinet has to go.

The New York Times

It has to go everywhere.

Independent

He has to go.  2.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It had to go".

The New York Times

I have to go".

The New York Times

Beckett had to go.

The New York Times - Sports

— We have to go.

The New Yorker

Had to go.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has to go", consider the implied reason. Is it due to necessity, obligation, or undesirability? Choose the phrase if it accurately reflects the urgency and reason for removal.

Common error

While acceptable, "has to go" might sound too informal or blunt in certain formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "must be removed" or "is required to depart" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to go" functions as a modal expression indicating necessity or obligation. Based on Ludwig AI, its primary grammatical function is to express a strong requirement for something or someone to be removed or to depart. This is supported by numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has to go" is a versatile expression used to convey the necessity of removal or departure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and choose more formal alternatives when appropriate. The phrase effectively communicates a sense of urgency or obligation, making it a valuable tool in both spoken and written communication. Be mindful of the potential for bluntness and adapt your language accordingly for a more nuanced and effective message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to leave

Focuses on the necessity of departure, less forceful than "has to go".

must be removed

Emphasizes the obligation of removal, often used in a more formal context.

is required to depart

A more formal and elaborate way of saying something needs to leave.

is obliged to leave

Stresses a sense of duty or legal requirement to depart.

must be eliminated

Highlights the need for complete removal or eradication.

should be discarded

Suggests something is no longer useful or desirable and should be thrown away.

is bound to exit

Implies a certainty of departure, often due to external forces.

is slated for removal

Indicates that something is scheduled or planned to be removed.

is destined to disappear

Conveys a sense of inevitability about something vanishing.

needs to be changed

Focuses on the necessity of alteration rather than removal.

FAQs

What does "has to go" mean?

The phrase "has to go" generally means that something or someone is required or necessary to leave, be removed, or be eliminated. It implies a sense of obligation or need for departure or removal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "has to go"?

It's appropriate to use "has to go" in situations where there's a clear need or requirement for something to be removed or for someone to leave. This can range from expressing the need to discard old items to demanding the removal of a political figure.

What are some alternatives to "has to go"?

Alternatives include "needs to leave", "must be removed", "is required to depart", and "should be discarded". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "has to go" formal or informal?

The phrase "has to go" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards being less formal. In highly formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "is required to depart" or "must be eliminated".