English grammar: Have to and don't have to

What this grammar point covers

‘Have to’ shows that something is necessary or required. ‘Don’t have to’ shows that something is not necessary.

When to use it

Use ‘have to’ when you talk about rules, obligations, or things that are necessary. Use ‘don’t have to’ when something is not necessary or not required.

Key forms

• I have to go.
• You have to study.
• He/She/It has to work.
• We/You/They have to leave.
• I don’t have to cook.
• He/She/It doesn’t have to help.

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use ‘has to’ with he, she, or it.
• Use ‘don’t/doesn’t have to’ for things that are not necessary, not for things that are not allowed.
• ‘Have to’ is not the same as ‘must’, but they are similar.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For questions, use: Do/Does + subject + have to...? Example: Do you have to leave?
• ‘Have to’ changes to ‘had to’ in the past.