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Linguaphile Posted 19 years ago
Linguistics Studies

have to

I had the opinion that "have to" can be used in the simple present to refer to a pesent obligation until I came across this sentence.

I'm having to bone up on criminal law for a test next week. (Longman)

Well, what would the difference be if I said

I have to bone up on criminal law for a test next week.

My non-native intuition tells me that in the first one I started studying, but in the second one not yet. Is my intuition playing tricks on me? Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

I think your intuition is fine. Your interpretation seems reasonable to me. CJ

— CalifJim

  • I think your intuition is fine.
  • Your interpretation seems reasonable to me.
  • CJ
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5 Answers
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I think your intuition is fine. Your interpretation seems reasonable to me. Emotion: smile

CJ
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LinguaphileI had the opinion that "have to" can be used in the simple present to refer to a pesent obligation until I came across this sentence.

I'm having to bone up on criminal law for a test next week. (Longman)

Well, what would the difference be if I said

I have to bone up on criminal law for a test next week.

My non
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I have to/I'm having to get up early for this new job.

The "have to" one can imply the action has begun or is about to begin. The "having to" one can only imply that it has begun.
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MilkyHow about here?

He's so behind at school that I have to/I'm having to help him with his homework every night.

I guess here the distinction gets a bit blurrier.
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