grammar question

mcenglishe · Post by **mcenglishe** » Fri May 26, 2006 2:42 pm

Hi, a Japanese student asked my about the sentence: 'I have not to go' and asked my why is it wrong and which are the verbs in the sentence.

If anyone has any ideas about using 'to go' grammar rules I would be happy to hear.

Thanks

Leafy

sbourque · Post by **sbourque** » Fri May 26, 2006 8:08 pm

In this case, the issue isn't "to go" (infinitive) but "have to" (modal).
Modals are followed by the infinitive without "to", either expressed or implied:
- Are you going to the meeting this afternoon?
- I have to go--I'm giving a report.
- Well, I don't have to, so I'm not going.

I'm sure there is a more technical explanation, but this should satisfy the student.

mcenglishe · Post by **mcenglishe** » Tue May 30, 2006 5:56 pm

Thanks,

Ive asked lots of people but thats the only real grammar answer that I have had, its not technical anyway, just what I needed, thats solved a problem for me for the next lesson!!