French grammar - To have to - avoir à |
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Another example of a preposition changing the meaning of a verb is avoir à. When used as an auxiliary verb avoir à means 'to have to' (do something). Avoir à is similar to the verb devoir. |
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Nous avons à parler français à l'école.
We have to speak French at school. |
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J'ai à vous remercier.
I have you (formal) to thank. |
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J'ai à vous parler, c'est urgent.
I have to talk to you (formal), it's urgent. |
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Il a à choisir.
He has to choose. |
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Tu n'as pas à t'excuser.
You (familiar) do not have to apologize. |
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Vous n'avez qu'à lui demander.
You (formal) just have to ask him. |
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Tu n'as pas à me poser des questions.
You (familiar) do not have to ask me questions.
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Tu n'as pas à avoir honte.
You (familiar) don't have to be ashamed. |
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Je vais le dire dans sa langue pour qu'il n'ait pas à écouter l'interprétation.
I'll say it in his language so he doesn't have to listen to the interpretation. |
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Faites en sorte qu'il n'ait pas à regretter sa bonté.
Make sure he doesn't have to regret his kindness. |
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The sense here is 'you should not be asking me…'