Have Got To – Meaning and Examples
When something is very important or absolutely necessary, we need strong words to express this urgency. In English, we often use have got to to show strong obligation or necessity. This common idiom adds emphasis to things you must do.
What Does “Have Got To” Mean?
“Have got to” means must or have to, but with stronger emphasis. Think of it like a fire alarm—when it rings, you absolutely must leave the building. It expresses strong necessity, obligation, or strong recommendation.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when something is very important or urgent. Use it when giving strong advice or recommendations. Use it when expressing personal obligations you feel strongly about. It is an informal phrase, perfect for conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
Example Sentences
- I‘ve got to finish this report by tomorrow.
- You‘ve got to see that new movie—it’s amazing!
- We‘ve got to leave now or we’ll miss our flight.
- She‘s got to call her mother back immediately.
Mini Dialogue
Tom: “I’m thinking about skipping the meeting today.”
Lisa: “You‘ve got to go! The boss is announcing important changes.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom expresses strong necessity. Don’t use it for past obligations or in very formal writing.
❌ Don’t say: “Yesterday I have got to finish my work.” (Use “had to” instead).
✅ Do say: “I‘ve got to remember to buy milk on my way home.”
Practice Tip
Think of one urgent task you need to do today. Say it out loud using “have got to,” like “I’ve got to pay that bill today.” Repeat this with different urgent tasks to practice the contraction forms.
Final Note
You now know how to use “have got to” to express strong necessity and obligation. This emphatic phrase will help you communicate urgency and importance in your daily conversations. Use it when you really need to emphasize that something must be done!