I had to tell you vs I had to told you

The correct phrase is "I had to tell you." The incorrect phrase "I had to told you" is not grammatically correct in English. The correct form uses the base form of the verb "tell" after the modal verb "had to."

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 632 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I had to tell you"

This phrase is used to express the necessity or obligation to inform someone about something in the past.

Examples:

I had to tell you about the meeting yesterday.
She had to tell him the truth.
We had to tell them the bad news.
He had to tell his parents about his decision.
They had to tell us the whole story.

Show examples from the web [+]

I just knew tonight that I had to tell you.
I had to tell you 'cause it's the truth.
I had to tell you now how wonderful it is.
I had to tell you something you could understand.
I had to tell you these things this very evening.
After I listened to his past, I understood, and I thought that I had to tell you.
By the way, I had to tell you something.
I lied. I had to tell you in person.
I know this isn't the best time, but... I had to tell you.
I had to tell you this because I'm just a really good friend of yours, and you're changing for all the wrong reasons.
I had to tell you the truth to prepare you.
I'm really sorry I had to tell you, Megan, but, I can't do this anymore.
Listen, Ton', I don't mean to talk business, but I had to tell you.
I just figured it out, and I had to tell you immediately, and I'm...
I know how you feel, but I had to tell you.
I had to tell you. I don't want to... lie to you anymore.
I had to tell you, Xaverl.
I had to tell you something.
There was something I had to tell you.
I knew I had to tell you the story.

This phrase is not correct in English.

"I had to told you"

Alternatives:

I had to tell you
I needed to inform you
I was required to let you know
I had to let you in on something
I had to share with you

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I had to tell you vs I had to told you

"I had to tell you"

"I had to told you"

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