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Taka Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Have? have to?

I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say.


Is it 'have:a verb+to say: an infinitive"? Or 'have to say=must say"? How do you differentiate it??
  

Top answer

In speaking, the "have to" = "must" is said "haff to"; the other is "havv to". In writing, that distinction cannot be made. Context alone governs the meaning for the reader.

— CalifJim

  • In speaking, the "have to" = "must" is said "haff to"; the other is "havv to".
  • In writing, that distinction cannot be made.
  • Context alone governs the meaning for the reader.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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In speaking, the "have to" = "must" is said "haff to"; the other is "havv to".

In writing, that distinction cannot be made. Context alone governs the meaning for the reader.

CJ
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I would agree that there's a slight ambiguity here.

But I'd probably choose 'have to say' as in 'have something to say', i.e. your first 'have, Taka.

MrP
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