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What you have to do is to vs What you have to do is

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'what you have to do is to' is used when introducing an action or task that needs to be done. The second phrase 'what you have to do is' is used when the action or task is already known or implied.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1645 views

What you have to do is to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when introducing an action or task that needs to be done.

This phrase is used to introduce a specific action or task that the listener needs to perform. The 'to' is used before the verb to indicate the action that follows.

Examples:

  • What you have to do is to complete the assignment by Friday.
  • What you have to do is to follow the instructions carefully.
  • What you have to do is to call the customer service hotline.
  • What you have to do is to make a reservation in advance.
  • What you have to do is to submit your application online.
  • What you have to do is to use that.
  • In order to win this symmetrical object, what you have to do is to answer the question I asked you at the beginning.
  • What you'll have to do is to rewire the laser panel's brain by carefully...
  • What you have to do is propose an end to all the production aid.
  • So what you have to do now is to create a healthy climate for yourself because that's how you create a healthy climate for the baby.
  • What you have to do is linearize the structure to permit the addition of chimeric plasmids.
  • But what you do have to do is pay attention to the teacher.
  • I think what you have to do is try not to...
  • Okay, now what you have to do is you have to think nice thoughts.
  • What you have to do is get the listener to claim what you've done as theirs.
  • What you have to do is you've got to look for the ten dullest-named committees happening out of the executive branch.
  • What you have to do is sit here and to talk to me.
  • What you have to do is you have to... protect yourself.
  • And what you have to do is you have to get in that room and tell me exactly what you see.
  • What you have to do is you have to lower it.
  • See, when the bill comes, what you have to do is you have to reach in your pocket, take the lock off your wallet, take out the green paper - it's called money - and you pay for the bill.
  • So, when you walk up to a door and you open it, what you compulsively have to do to perceive is to make decisions,
  • So, when you walk up to a door and you open it, what you compulsively have to do to perceive is to make decisions, thousands of decisions about the size of the room, the walls, the height, the objects in this room.
  • But what you have to do is you have to order it, and when you order it, you have to ask for extra jalapenos... except, instead of saying jalapenos, you have to say "jalapenos." (Tom chuckles)

Alternatives:

  • What you need to do is to
  • What you must do is to
  • What you should do is to
  • What you are required to do is to
  • What you are supposed to do is to

What you have to do is

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when the action or task is already known or implied.

This phrase is used when the action or task is already clear or understood by the listener. The 'is' is followed by the action or task directly.

Examples:

  • What you have to do is finish the report.
  • What you have to do is call me back.
  • What you have to do is study for the exam.
  • What you have to do is pay the bill.
  • What you have to do is attend the meeting.
  • What you have to do is simple.
  • What you have to do is make the decision taking a sip of anisette.
  • In case of a total malfunction what you have to do is this.
  • I think what you have to do is try not to...
  • Like what you have to do is so important that it just can't wait?
  • What you have to do is think of something you like ever so much.
  • What you have to do is you have to... protect yourself.
  • First of all, what you have to do is - Straddle the ball.
  • Okay, now what you have to do is you have to think nice thoughts.
  • See, when the bill comes, what you have to do is you have to reach in your pocket, take the lock off your wallet, take out the green paper - it's called money - and you pay for the bill.
  • What you have to do is go home and wait.
  • What you have to do is propose an end to all the production aid.
  • What you have to do is to use that.
  • What you have to do is your own family.
  • What you have to do is get a job at a newspaper with big circulation.
  • What you have to do is bail water out faster than it's coming in.
  • What you have to do is pull yourself together And remember the truth.
  • What you have to do is bump him off, but make it look like suicide.
  • What you have to do is start at the absolute basic.
  • What you have to do is, when he comes back, keep an eye out for anything which might suggest he's been near somebody else's perfume.

Alternatives:

  • What you need to do is
  • What you must do is
  • What you should do is
  • What you are required to do is
  • What you are supposed to do is

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