had, to be
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A judge ruled that more detailed climate assessments had to be published.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
When EV growth stalled, billions of dollars had to be written off.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
He was discharged with a complex postsurgery medication regimen to keep his immune system in check and prevent infection, one that had to be followed perfectly.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
They also had to be in direct contact -- a few millimeters apart, and nothing significant happened.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
My parka had to be turned inside out so all the sweat from the day could freeze and be scraped off in the morning.
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
