Have Got To

"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.

Examples:

Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have got to" behaves in different contexts.

Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also use:

have got to
necessity

1. People have got to be on time if they want to get a seat in the crowded theater.

2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You had to be on time if you wanted to get a seat in the crowded theater.

3. You have got to be there on time tonight if you want to get a seat in the crowded theater.

1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
People don't have to be there on time to get a seat.

2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You didn't have to be there on time to get a seat.

3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You won't have to be there on time to get a seat.

have to,
must

haven't got to
future obligation

Haven't you got to be there by 7:00?

Haven't you got to finish that project today?

"Haven't got to" is primarily used to ask about future obligations. It can be used in statements, but this is less common.

Don't you have to