Does "get to" and "have to" have a same meaning?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

That is a great question because these two phrasal verbs are actually very different. “Have to” shows need or obligation. It means it’s something you are forced to do or need to do for a purpose or reason. “Get to” shows privilege. It means you are permitted or allowed to do something. It is generally something you want to or are interested in, or something that means a lot to you. Ex: I can’t come go out tonight. My mom says I have to study for my exams. Ex: I have to take my medication three times a day. Ex: It's my birthday, so I get to choose which restaurant we go to. Ex: The winning team members get to take the next day off.

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Popular Q&As

05/20

1
Is "silly" a casual way of saying "idiot?" Like it can be more easily said between friends without hurting or offending the other too much as a joke?
It can be, yes! It has a more friendly tone to it and is used in more friendly contexts than "idiot." It could even be considered a term of endearment. Or it can be a better way of saying "stupid." But depending on the context, it could be considered childish. Ex: It was silly of her to break up with you. => stupid Ex: Come on, silly. Let's get some ice cream. Ex: You're so silly. I can't stop laughing. Ex: Don't be silly. => childish tone

2
What is marine corps?
The United States Marine Corps (also called the United States Marines, 해병대), is a branch of the Armed Forces responsible for missions outside of the United States involving an aquatic environment, usually the ocean. They work with the Navy, Army, and Air Force. People in the Marines are usually considered "tough".

3
I don't get the meaning of "in" here. Could you explain the meaning of "in" here and give some similar examples?
The preposition "in" is used here to describe the way that something happens. "In" as a preposition does not always describe the physical position of something being "inside". Ex: I am taking several classes in the field of science.

4
What's he mean by "reputation" and when's it used like this?
He means a certain image and way people perceive him. Perhaps due to his behavior, actions, or characteristics. This can be used if something or someone is known for something - they have a "reputation." Usually in the negative sense, or one that isn't true to who someone is. "Rep" is also an informal shortened form of "reputation" that is often used. Ex: She's got a reputation for breaking people's hearts. Ex: You're giving this place a bad rep by bad-mouthing it. => "bad mouthing" means talking poorly of bad of something Ex: I have a reputation of being a good person to uphold by participating in all these charity events.

5
Are "give it a shot" and "try it again" same? Is "give it a shot" used a lot in conversation?
"Give it a shot" means to try something. It does not have the same meaning as "try it again" because this means that you attempt something that you've already done before, while "give it a shot" usually means to attempt something for the very first time. The expression "give it a shot" is pretty common and used a lot in everyday conversation. However, it is a very casual expression. Ex: I like sports but I've never played baseball. I think I'll give it a shot. Ex: Why don't you give the job a shot and see what you think?

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