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ENGLISH GRAMMAR

MUST  -  HAVE TO
When do we use 'must', when do we use 'have to'?


Must and have to both express obligation.
However, they are used differently depending on who imposes the obligation.

MUST is used:

  • to express an obligation imposed by the speaker (yourself or someone else)
  • to state a rule or legal requirement,
    Example: "You must wear a seat belt." said the driver.
  • HAVE TO is used:

  • when an obligation is imposed by an external source; someone else makes it necessary.
  • when obeying a rule or doing your duty
    Example: "We have to go through security control before boarding." (airport instructions)
  • How to use 'must' and 'have to':

    MUST: Used when something is the rule or when the speaker (yourself or someone else) thinks it is necessary.

    Examples:
    • I must buy flowers for my mother.(It's her birthday. I impose the obligation on myself.)
    • "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.)
    • All pupils must wear a uniform. (It's compulsory in this school.)
    • All passengers must wear seat belts.(It's the law.)
    • Cyclists must wear helmets when they are on the road. (It's the law.)
    • "All essays must be handed in by Friday." said the teacher.

    HAVE TO: Used when an obligation is imposed by an outside source, when obeying a rule or complying with instructions, recommendations or advice.
    Examples:
    • I have to buy flowers for my mother-in-law. (My husband asked me to do that.)
    • I have to take more exercise. (The doctor told me it was necessary.)
    • 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.)
    • As part of his job, my husband has to travel a lot.
    • Do you have to wear a uniform in your school? (Is it compulsory?)
    • Do I have to fasten my seat belt? (Is it an obligation?)
    • Enzo has to wear a suit and tie at work. (That's part of the regulations.)
    • When do we have to hand in our essays? (When are we instructed to do that?)

    MUSTN'T - DON'T HAVE TO:  In the negative form the meaning changes

    MUSTN'T: The speaker thinks it is important NOT to do something or it forbidden.
    Examples:
    • You mustn't tell George ( It is important not to tell George = don't tell George.)
    • Students mustn't talk during the exam. (It is forbidden.)
    • Fire fighters must not drink on duty. (It is forbidden.)
    • You mustn't speak to strangers. (Parents warn their children.)
    • You mustn't park here. (Only residents are allowed to park here.)
    DON'T HAVE TO: It is not necessary or compulsory. It is your decision.
    Examples:
    • You don't have to tell George (You can tell George if you like, but it isn't necessary.)
    • You don't have to wear a tie (Ties are not required but you can wear one if you like.)
    • You don't have to drive me home. I'll walk. (It's not necessary. I live nearby.)
    • We don't have to whisper. (It's not necessary. There's nobody else here.)

    'Must' for deduction:
    'Must' can also be used to show that we are certain something is true.
    In this case we are making a logical deduction based on the evidence we have.

    ◊ Julie has had a long journey.  She must  be tired.
    ◊ There's no heat in this room.  You must  be cold.
    ◊ Pablo hasn't eaten all day.  He must  be hungry.
    ◊ I didn't order these books.  There must  be a mistake.
    ◊ The house is luxurious.       They must be rich to be able to buy a house like that!.

    'Must' only exists in the present tense.
    'Have to' is used for other tenses.
     Examples:

    "I had to go to see the dentist yesterday."  NOT: "I have must / I musted ..."
    "I will have to get up early tomorrow."  NOT "I will must ...."


     Try an exercise 

    See also:  should - ought to - need

     back to grammar