TENSE TUESDAY: 'HAVE TO' vs. 'HAVE GOT TO'

Hello, readers! Welcome to Tense Tuesday.

I hope you're ready for a quick grammar lesson. Today we are looking at HAVE TO vs. HAVE GOT TO for obligation. Is there a difference between the two sentences below?

Sentence 1: I have to go. 

Sentence 2: I have got to go.

The answer is yes... and no. First of all, HAVE GOT TO is much more common in UK English, and HAVE TO is the preferred form in American English; however, they both have the same meaning. When giving suggestions, HAVE GOT TO also gives a bit more emphasis. And finally, some grammar references claim that HAVE TO is considered more informal, although there doesn't seem to be full agreement on this point.

Let's look at some more examples that compare HAVE TO and HAVE GOT TO. Can you notice a difference in formality?

Example 1: You have to try this sauce. It's so delicious.  

Example 2: You have got to try this sauce. It's so delicious. 

Example 3: He has to get a job soon. 

Example 4: He has got to get a job soon. 

That's all for today. Thank you for reading!

Have a wonderful day, and be sure to join us tomorrow for Wordy Wednesday. You've got to see the word we have prepared!