Is “Have to Have” Correct? (Meaning Explained)

You have probably said to someone, “I have to have this,” and wondered if your sentence was correct. In this article, you will learn the meaning of “have to have” and whether it is correct. You will also learn how to use it in a sentence.

Is “Have to Have” Correct?

It is correct to say “have to have”. Although it is mostly used in informal situations, “have to have” is grammatically correct and is safe to use. “Have to have” is used when referring to the need or desire for something.

The phrase may look awkward or sound wrong while reading due to the repetition of the word “have,” but a phrase sounding wrong does not always mean it is not correct.

“Have to have” can be written as “I must have” or “I should have”, if you have a problem with the repetition of words. But the use of “must” adds a formal tone to your sentence.

For example, you could say,

• I have to have this bag by tomorrow

This sentence can be rewritten as,

• I must have this bag by tomorrow

It can also be written as,

• I should have this bag by tomorrow

These sentences above imply that the speaker wants to have the bag being spoken about by tomorrow. It should be noted that the use of “have to have” gives off a lighter tone in comparison to the use of must. Using “should,” on the other hand, gives a sense of obligation.

It is inappropriate to use the words “must” or “should” together with “have to have” in a sentence. Consider the sentences below,

• I must have to have this bag by tomorrow
• I should have to have this bag by tomorrow

The two sentences are incorrect because the use of “must” or “should” together with “have to have” in a sentence makes it repetitive. Therefore, it is correct to just say “have to have”, especially if you want to maintain an informal tone.

What Does “Have to Have” Mean?

The expression “have to have” means that you want something or desire it. You use “have to have” when you want to express your need for something, and using the phrase adds a sense of importance to the item desired.

When you say that you have to have something, you imply that you really want something and need to have it. “Have to” translates to “must” or “should”. “Must” is mostly used in formal situations compared to “have to have”.

If you have to have something, you require it or need the immediate attention of that thing. “Have to have” expresses want and necessity. When you have to have something, you feel the necessity for it.

Therefore, “have to have” can also be translated to “I must have” or “I should have”. To further explain the meaning of the phrase and to show you how to use it in a sentence, here are a few examples of sentences, including “have to have.”

1. I really have to have a new car.
2. You have to have a bit more patience with her.
3. We would have to have the party here instead.
4. I know you have been swamped up with work lately, but I have to have your project turned in today.
5. Do you really have to have another glass of whiskey?
6. They have to have a license, or their company would be shut down.
7. We have to have a new student council as soon as possible.

Note that in all the examples above, “have to have” is used before stating something required. “Have to have” is always used in sentences to point out something that is needed, urgently or not.

“Have to Have” – Synonyms

As previously stated, “have to have” refers to the need or desire for something. This phrase can be written in many other ways while still retaining its meaning. Here are a few examples of phrases that are similar in meaning to “Have to Have”:

• Have need of
• In want of
• Must have
• Need to have
• Should have

Final Thoughts

You are not wrong when you tell someone that you have to have a new phone. You are only telling the person your needs/desire to get a new phone. The phrase “have to have” is grammatically correct and mostly used for informal conversation.