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LearnerOfEnglish Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Correct or wrong?

Hello,

I made a bet with a friend of mine that the following sentence was wrong: It hasn't to be so. I think that the correct version of this sentence is: It doesn't have to be so. Who is right?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hi, I made a bet with a friend of mine that the following sentence was wrong: It hasn't to be so . I think that the correct version of this sentence is: It doesn't have to be so. Who is right?

— Clive

  • Hi, I made a bet with a friend of mine that the following sentence was wrong: It hasn't to be so .
  • I think that the correct version of this sentence is: It doesn't have to be so.
  • Who is right?
  • The version with "hasn't" is not incorrect grammar, but I think the verson with "doesn't have" would be much more likely to be chosen.
  • Having said that, I don't think either of these sentences would be commonly heard.
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6 Answers
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Hi,

I made a bet with a friend of mine that the following sentence was wrong: It hasn't to be so. I think that the correct version of this sentence is: It doesn't have to be so. Who is right?

The version with "hasn't" is not incorrect grammar, but I think the verson with "doesn't have" w
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Yes, your're right Emotion: smile
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Hi LoE

You are right. It's okay to say I haven't money even though it isn't very common. When have has other meanings such as 'to have to do', 'to eat', 'to drink' etc. you need do:

I didn't have breakfast today.
Did you have to go there?
You don't have to say you love me. (What a nice song!)

CB
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Clive was faster... Never mind, I have a question anyway Emotion: smile Why would it be hard to imagine a suitable context?

A: It's going
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Loojka Why would it be hard to imagine a suitable context?
Yeah, I don't understand either. I thought it would be extremely easy to find a context for "It doesn't have to be... so/that way".
Hmm, maybe it's that "so" that is spoiling the sentence... Maybe it should be "It doesn't have to", period.
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Hi,

Yes, it's the 'so' that seems unnecessary.

eg In the suggested example, I'd just say

A: It's going to be difficult...
B: It doesn't have to be so.

Clive
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