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Grammar help I'm studying English by myself and I use some grammar books to show me the way. I read in one of these books, that in English we can contract the "to have" verb only if it's followed by another verb like in this phrase: I've got a new car. But In some sentences, I think that sounds weird, for instance: I've to eat. So, I think that I misunderstood the rule. Can anyone help me with that?

Corrections · 10

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Grammar help

I'm studying English by myself and I use some grammar books to show me the way. I read in one of these books, that in English we can contract the "to have" verb only if it's followed by another verb like in this phrase: I've got a new car. But In some sentences, I think that sounds weird, for instance: I've to eat. So, I think that I misunderstood the rule.
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Let us talk about this.  This is because of the difference between American English in British English.

American English = needs another verb

I've got a new car
I've sent the document
They've gone to the store

British English = needs no other verb

I've a dog
I've a few things to say about this


**in your sentence there is no other verb and that is why it sounds weird**

I've to eat  (I //have //to eat) = subject//verb//infinitive

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Much as I appreciate Darryl’s contribution, “to have” and “have to” are totally different; if I may say so, I’m afraid that this is not about American or British English. This is all about grammar.


« I’ve to eat. » is normally not written because it has another meaning. 

It should be « I have to eat. », which means « I must eat. »

“had to”, “have/has to”, and “will have to” replace « must » or « need » in certain contexts. 


“Must” and “had/have/has/will have to” do express an obligation; however, there is a small difference. 


MUST expresses the speaker’s feelings:

I must eat. This is what I think. 


HAVE TO expresses an obligation, as well, but more because there is a rule requiring you to do so. 

I have to eat. It would imply that I’ve been told to eat by my general practitioner for health issues, for example. 


“Have got to” has the same meaning; it means “have to”, which means it is for obligations because of certain rules. 

The differences with “have to” is that “have got to” can only be used in the present tense, and it is more informal than “have to”.


I hope that helps. 

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I don't know. Maybe because of the infinitive after the contraction... Maybe I have heard about the rule in somewhere and now I'm confused. Lol.
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One would normally say "I have to eat (otherwise I'll starve)", but one could say "I've to eat (otherwise...)." This sounds weird, like you say, but it cannot be wrong. I wonder what made you think of it?
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hi Luciene, i am not a native speaker, but here's my thinking: "I've got a new car" = I own a new car / I have a car / I bought myself-Somebody bought me a new car "I've to eat" = I must eat "to have" has more meaning :)

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