From time to time, we’ve all got to do things we’d rather not do. But is there a way to express this without using the phrase “have to?”
In this article, we’ll show you how to say “have to” in a formal setting.
Moreover, we’ll tell you what to say instead of “have to” when you want to zest up your formal phrasing!
“Have to” Synonyms
- Responsible for
- Obliged
- Under obligation
- Must
- Need to
- Got to
- Ought to
- Had better
- Duty-bound
- Had best
- Have a duty to
- Have no choice but to
- Supposed to
- Ordered to
- Can’t help but
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The phrase “have to” is grammatically correct and neutral enough to suit a plethora of circumstances.
- In a professional setting, you can say you are “responsible for” something instead.
- To sound more polite, you can use the synonym “obliged.”
Don’t go anywhere! We still need to discuss our favorite formal synonyms for “have to” in more detail.
What’s more, we’ll show you how to use each of our choices in some helpful examples!
Responsible For
“Responsible for” is another way to say “have to” in a professional setting.
This is a significantly better phrase to go with at work for a number of reasons.
Firstly, saying that you “have to” do something gives the impression that you are acting against your will.
This may be the case at work! However, when talking about the things you have to do at work, it is better to frame them as your responsibilities.
Therefore, if you’re speaking to a client or a superior, you can set out what you are responsible for, like so:
I am responsible for maintaining the online filing system for the firm at large.
Secondly, telling someone else that they “have to” do something is very demanding. Therefore, you can only get away with it if you are a senior member of your team talking to a more junior member.
In addition, saying “responsible for” is a more polite way to say “have to,” even if you’re instructing a junior team member. And politeness is always preferred at work!
Therefore, have a look at this email sample to see how you might use the phrase “responsible for” in your work correspondence:
Dear Cassidy,
I have decided that you will be responsible for the project management aspects while Henrietta can manage the marketing.
Kind regards,
Suzanna
Obliged
Another word for “have to” is “obliged.”
You can use this formal synonym both at work or in your writing when you want to adopt a more formal tone.
“Obliged” is not a better phrase than “have to” per se. However, it does tend to carry slightly different connotations.
Namely, we would usually say we’re “obliged” to do something when we feel that we have a moral duty. Or, when we’re repaying a favor.
For example:
I feel obliged to tell her that she won’t be promoted this month.
“Have to,” on the other hand, tends to be used when we are doing something because we have no choice at all.
If you’re looking for a more formal word for “have to” to use in a business email, “obliged” is also a suitable choice.
In fact, you can use it to make stern demands while still coming across as polite and professional.
To see what we mean, check out this email example:
Dear Mr. Parick,
I would remind you that your client is obliged to express their intent to end the contract in writing, according to clause 12.
Kind regards,
Thandiwe Redding
Is It Correct to Say “Have to”?
The phrase “have to” is perfectly correct and suitable to use in all kinds of situations, whether formal or informal.
While it wouldn’t be our first choice in a particularly formal setting, as there are a number of better options, it likely won’t cause any scandal.
For example, you could use it like so:
As a matter of urgency, we will have to arrange our finest room for the mayor and his husband.
Of course, “have to” implies that something must be done in the future.
If you are speaking about something you were forced to do in the past, you would use the past tense variation, “had to.”
Consider this example:
I had to send several letters before I received a response from their offices.
Feel free to bookmark this page if you’d like to keep our list of synonyms on hand for later!