What's the difference between "need to" and "have to"?

Question

What's the difference between "need to" and "have to"?

Answer 1

it is similar and can often be used in the same context

"need to" is a requirement (often to do with choice - out of your will)

"have to" is an obligation (not out of your will)

e.g.

I need to see the teacher (you require help)

I have to see the teacher (it can also mean you require help, but can also imply you are in trouble and it is not your will)

therefore, "have to" is a broader term (but both can be used depending on situation)

Answer 2

If you need to do something then its a want on your behalf. something you have chosen to do yourself, you are not obliged to do it because its your choice.  i have to do it means you have on choice im the matter, its either you do the thing and if you dont do it you will get punished or the very bad end of the stick.

Answer 3

Need to is when you get time and have to is almost immediate.

Answer 4

Personally:

When a person says either ""need to" or "have to" there is but 2 forms you can you use this word in: "You have to" or "I have to" or "I need to" or "You need to". In my opinion, it is based on the activity that is in question and how important it is to the person that wants it completed.

Upon analyzing this whole statement, I think it is this: You either accept responsibility or you pass it along and most people choose the latter of the two. LoL. Great question.

Deijay

Answer 5

You can use both of them in a sentence, but its hard to notice the difference in meaning because its making you responsible for your actions so it all depends on your own point of view, there is no definite answer to this question, and it can only be explain in our own personal views.