In reply to:

Yes, speakers and listeners can invest meaning in whatever they agree upon. But why make communication unnecessarily awkward? As I originally wrote, “Wouldn’t it be clearer and more concise to say, ‘I must go’ …?” The same meaning would be communicated without all the ambiguity.

But, but, but. must, have to and 've got to are slightly different in meaning.

I must go -- it's my decision that it's time to go

I've got to go -- the obligation is imposed by some outside agency.

I have to go (to the airport) - as a matter of routine every Wednesday.

I've got to go (to the airport) -- now.



Bingley


Bingley