have to quit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have to quit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a necessity or obligation to stop doing something, often in a work or personal context. Example: "After much consideration, I have to quit my job to pursue my passion for art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

General Pasha may have to quit.

The Economist

And we'd have to quit, of course.

The Guardian - Music

You have to quit on me.

The New York Times - Sports

Dec. 10 We have to quit the spending.

The New York Times

Dumbfounded, Stark asked when he would have to quit.

The New Yorker

If he fails, he will probably have to quit.

The Economist

"Dad, do we really have to quit Scouting?" Stape asked.

The New Yorker

"Of course, if they catch me, I'll have to quit taking it".

The New York Times

"We have to quit complaining about unsustainable debt and passing new spending programs every week".

The New York Times

"Yes — otherwise I have to quit my job," Mr. Gabrielli de Axevedo said.

The New York Times

I suppose I'll have to quit telling the Capone story, although I do so reluctantly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context when choosing between "have to quit" and more formal alternatives like "must resign".

Common error

Avoid using "have to quit" in highly formal documents. Opt for alternatives like "must resign" or "is required to cease" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have to quit" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating obligation or necessity. It's used to express that someone is compelled to stop doing something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have to quit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating the necessity of stopping something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with more formal options available for professional communications. It appears most often in news and media, and users should be mindful of the subtle differences between this phrase and alternatives like "must resign" or "need to leave".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must resign

Indicates a formal requirement to leave a position.

need to leave

Implies a necessity to depart or exit a situation.

required to stop

Highlights an external obligation to cease an action.

obliged to cease

Emphasizes a formal duty to discontinue something.

forced to abandon

Suggests a lack of choice in discontinuing something.

compelled to discontinue

Indicates a strong external pressure to halt an activity.

find it necessary to quit

Highlights the speaker's evaluation of the necessity to quit.

it is essential to quit

Emphasizes the importance or critical nature of quitting.

I am left with no option but to quit

Conveys the limited choices available, making quitting the only remaining course of action.

I am bound to quit

Highlights the binding or unavoidable nature of the decision to quit.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "have to quit"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "must resign", "need to leave", or "required to stop".

Is "have to quit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "have to quit" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "must resign" or "is obliged to cease".

How does "have to quit" differ from "want to quit"?

"Have to quit" implies a necessity or obligation, whereas "want to quit" expresses a desire or preference. The former suggests external pressures or unavoidable circumstances, while the latter indicates a personal choice.

Can I use "have to quit" in a business context?

Yes, but be mindful of the level of formality required. In internal communications or casual discussions, it's acceptable. For official resignation letters or formal reports, use more professional alternatives.