"have to be" vs "has to be"

Question

"have to be" vs "has to be"

Both "have to be" and "has to be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts based on the subject of the sentence. "Have to be" is used with plural subjects (e.g., they, we), while "has to be" is used with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it).

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use "have to be" when the subject of the sentence is plural (e.g., they, we). It indicates a necessity or obligation for multiple people or things to be in a certain state or perform a certain action.

Examples:

They have to be at the meeting by 9 AM.
We have to be careful when crossing the street.
The books have to be returned to the library by Friday.

Alternatives:

need to be
must be
should be
required to be
obliged to be

Use "has to be" when the subject of the sentence is singular (e.g., he, she, it). It indicates a necessity or obligation for a single person or thing to be in a certain state or perform a certain action.

Examples:

He has to be at work by 8 AM.
She has to be careful with her words.
The document has to be signed by the manager.

Alternatives:

needs to be
must be
should be
required to be
obliged to be

Answer 1

have to be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

has to be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"have to be" vs "has to be"

have to be

has to be

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