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7.2. The necessity ( objectiveness - subjective meaning) The necessity of "have to" is similar to that of "must." Both of them express the assertion, but this has objective unlike "must" which has subjective. This is not often used. (9) a. You have to be joking. b. I've heard the roar of the engine. It has to be John. "Have got to" also has the same meaning and is not often used. "Must" is preferred. The next examples are the past tense "had to." (10a) is the obligation and (10b) is the necessity. (10) a. He had to work late yesterday. b. She had to be joking. "Had got to" is not used in American English. It is also rare in British English.

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