have to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"have to leave" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It indicates a requirement or obligation to depart from a place. Example: "I have to leave for work at 9:00 AM tomorrow morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You have to leave".

The New York Times

I have to leave.

The New Yorker

You'll have to leave.

The New York Times

"You never have to leave the party".

The New York Times

You have to leave stuff out.

The New Yorker

"I have to leave," Hock pleads.

The New York Times - Books

"They have to leave," he said.

The New Yorker

U.S. companies would have to leave".

The New York Times

"You really never have to leave".

The New York Times

Sergio feared he would have to leave.

The New Yorker

Now he won't have to leave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have to leave" when expressing a general obligation or necessity to depart from a place. It's suitable for most everyday situations. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "must depart" or "am obliged to depart".

Common error

While "have to leave" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for stronger, more precise alternatives like "must depart" or "is required to exit" to convey a greater sense of obligation or necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have to leave" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates that the subject is compelled or required to depart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have to leave" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the necessity of departing from a place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it's prevalent in news and media, it's crucial to consider the context. For formal situations, consider replacing it with stronger alternatives like "must depart" or "am obliged to depart". This ensures your writing maintains an appropriate level of formality and precision. Remember, effective communication lies in selecting the most suitable phrase for the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to go

This is a more informal and general way of saying "have to leave".

I'm required to leave

This alternative puts emphasis on 'I' as someone subject to an obligation.

must depart

This suggests a stronger obligation or necessity compared to "have to leave".

it's time for me to go

This phrase emphasizes the timing of the departure, rather than the obligation.

I'm forced to leave

Highlights an external force that makes one leave a place.

am obliged to depart

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "have to leave", highlighting the obligation.

I'm compelled to leave

Implies a strong internal or external pressure to leave.

required to exit

Similar to 'must depart' but can imply leaving a system/program besides physically leaving a place.

I'm under obligation to leave

This alternative emphasizes the legal or moral duty to leave.

it is imperative that I leave

This phrase underlines the urgent and crucial nature of the departure.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "have to leave"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "must depart", "is required to exit", or "am obliged to depart".

Is "have to leave" appropriate for all situations?

While generally acceptable, "have to leave" may sound too casual in highly formal contexts. Assess your audience and choose a more suitable alternative if needed.

What does "have to leave" mean?

"Have to leave" signifies an obligation or necessity to depart from a place. It indicates that someone needs to go.

What can I say instead of "I have to leave" when I want to be polite?

You could say "I must be going", "I need to excuse myself", or "it's time for me to go" to be more polite.