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Must -
Have to |
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Must and have to
both express obligation.
However, they are used differently depending on who
imposes the obligation.
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MUST
The speaker thinks it
is necessary. |
HAVE
TO
Someone else thinks
it is necessary. |
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- I must buy flowers for my mother
(It's her birthday and I decide to do that).
- "You must take more exercise"
says the doctor.
(The doctor thinks it is necessary).
- I must ask my secretary to book a
flight for me.
(It is important for me not to forget.)
- "Dogs must be kept on a lead"
(Written on a sign in the park =
a rule which must be respected)
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- I have to buy flowers for my
mother-in-law.
(It is not my decision -
my husband asked me to do it.)
I have to take more exercise.
(doctor's orders!)
I have to call the travel agency.
(My boss asked me to book a flight.)
I have to keep my dog on a lead.
(That's what the sign tells me to do.)
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N.B. In the
negative form, the meaning changes!
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MUST NOT (MUSTN'T) |
DO NOT HAVE TO (DON'T HAVE TO) |
You mustn't tell George
= it's important not to tell George
= don't tell George |
You don't have to tell George
= you can tell George if you like,
but it
isn't necessary. It's your decision. |
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