TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

had to vs has to

The phrases 'had to' and 'has to' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Had to' is used to talk about past obligations or requirements, while 'has to' is used to talk about present obligations or requirements.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1046 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express past obligations or requirements.

"had to"

Use 'had to' when referring to something that was necessary in the past, such as an obligation, requirement, or duty.

Examples:

  • I had to finish my homework before going out to play.
  • She had to attend the meeting yesterday.
  • They had to leave early to catch the train.
  • He had to study hard for the exam last week.
  • We had to wait for hours at the airport.
  • I had to cancel a date with Shauna Malwae-Tweep.
  • Just had to follow the breadcrumbs.
  • Said everything had to be ready before thanksgiving.
  • This meant Hammond had to think big.
  • And then I had to meet you.
  • Actually, I had to moisturize twice.
  • I had to catalogue his prison tats.
  • Everything that had to happen happened.
  • Shame we had to release Peter Goldman.
  • Then what had to happen happened.
  • I'm sorry I had to do it this way, Tara.
  • Commander Reynolds had to retire from the Navy.
  • Project Troy had to focus first on broadcasting and propaganda.
  • I had to reschedule because of the holiday.
  • You never had to watch 60Minuteslikethis.
  • Secondly, we had to resolve certain specific problems.
  • We had to reschedule our appointment with the adoption lawyer.
  • The emerging electricity had to be rectified and stored.
  • I had to get up then on account of a suit that had to be finished for Mick Foley.
  • You agreed there had to be changes.

Alternatives:

  • needed to
  • was required to
  • was obligated to

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express present obligations or requirements.

"has to"

Use 'has to' when referring to something that is necessary in the present, such as a current obligation, requirement, or duty.

Examples:

  • She has to finish her work before leaving.
  • He has to attend the meeting today.
  • The team has to submit the report by Friday.
  • I have to call my parents tonight.
  • The doctor has to see the patient immediately.
  • The redistribution of wealth upward through killing has to stop.
  • This investigation has to be airtight.
  • The rat has to surface sometime.
  • Everything has to leave home sometime.
  • An acquaintance has to cross tomorrow.
  • Continuity has to be ensured in rural development.
  • Furthermore, it has to fulfil specific programming obligations relating to international cooperation.
  • Incompatible aid granted illegally has to be recovered.
  • VELCADE powder has to be dissolved before administration.
  • Our approach to FMD has to adapt accordingly.
  • This improved cooperation has to keep up with technological change.
  • Every democratic party has to condemn extreme right-wing ideologies and violence.
  • This obviously has to happen through our Members.
  • Each attribute has to be sensory evaluated separately.
  • This is intolerable and has to change.
  • Something has to change, something has to give.
  • Where a farmer only has to declare permanent pasture and, therefore, has to submit an area aid application, checks may be programmed differently.
  • Don't fall for the idea of purist that everything has to be analog or everything has to be electronic or everything has to be anything.
  • Someone has to lead, and someone has to stay here.
  • The person behind the intel has to have access to our investigation and that has to come from high up.

Alternatives:

  • must
  • needs to
  • is required to

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo