Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (93 page)

(I) have to go now
.
an expression announcing the need to leave.
F
RED
: Bye, have to go now. M
ARY
: See you later. Take it easy
.
S
UE
: Would you help me with this box? J
OHN
: Sorry. I have to go now.

(I) have to move along
.
Go to (I) have to be moving along.

(I) have to push off
.
Go to (I) have to shove off.

(I) have to run along
.
an expression announcing the need to leave.
J
ANE
: It's late. I have to run along. T
OM
: Okay, Jane. Bye. Take care
.
J
OHN
: Leaving so soon? S
ALLY
: Yes, I have to run along.

(I) have to shove off
.
AND
(I've) got to be shoving off.; (I've) got to shove off.; (I) have to push off.; (It's) time to shove off
.
a phrase announcing one's need to depart.
J
OHN
: Look at
the time! I have to shove off! J
ANE
: Bye, John
.
J
ANE
: Time to shove off. I have to feed the cats. J
OHN
: Bye, Jane
.
F
RED
: I have to push off. Bye. J
ANE
: See you around. Bye.

I have to wash a few things out
.
an excuse for not going out or for going home early. (Of course, it can be used literally.)
J
ANE
: Time to shove off. I have to wash a few things out. J
OHN
: Bye, Jane
.
B
ILL
: I have to wash out a few things. B
OB
: Why don't you use a machine? B
ILL
: Oh, I'll see you later.

(I) haven't got all day
.
Please hurry, because I don't have a lot of time.
R
ACHEL
: Make it snappy! I haven't got all day. A
LICE
: Just take it easy. There's no rush
.
H
ENRY
: I haven't got all day. When are you going to finish with my car? B
OB
: As soon as I can.

(I) haven't seen you in a long time
.
an expression said as part of the greeting series.
M
ARY
: Hi, Fred! Haven't seen you in a long time. F
RED
: Yeah. Long time no see
.
T
OM
: Well, John. Is that you? I haven't seen you in a long time. J
OHN
: Good to see you, Tom!