Revision as of 10:36, 9 April 2013

have to V / need to V

phonetics

The most basic tools used to express obligation, they form a phonetic unit with the following verb. In the most informal speech, one hears:

1. They all need to see a doctor.
   nidtə(ʊ)si:
2. We have to stop using so much petrol.
   hæftəstɑp
3. I really have to go now.
   hæftəgəʊ
4. She has to finish cooking the books.
   hæstəfɪnɪʃ

• Have and has can not be phonetically reduced on the left side.
  • have never becomes ə(v) as it does preceding a past participle.
  • has never becomes z as it does in She's got time.

The reduction takes place around the pivot "to", as with the verbs going to V and want to V, where even the t disappears!

• I'm going to go. (sometimes written: I'm gonna' go.)
  'ɡɔnəgoʊ
• I want to be... (sometimes written: I wanna' be.)
  'wɑnəbi

Exercise 1: Pronunciation

Practice pronouncing these verbal elements in a relaxed register:

1. has to start:
   hæstəstɑrt
2. had to stop:
   hædtəstəstɑp
3. have to start dealing with:
   hæftəstəstɑrtdi:lɪɳwɪθ
4. has to get done:
   hæstəgetdʌn
5. 'll have to get it done:
   lhæftəgetdʌn

Exercise 2: Find the mistakes

If there is a mistake in the sentence, correct it. If there is no mistake, leave it as it is...

1. We'll have to work on this next week.
2. We had work on this last week.
3. Did you have to take time off from work?
4. Have you to pay taxes?
5. She has to get ready for a civil service exam (concours)
6. He have to change the oil in the car this weekend. (change the oil = faire le vidange)