Hook

At the airport, a sign says “You must show your passport.” At home, your roommate says “You don’t have to clean today, I already did it.” Same idea — obligation — but very different strength.

Notice

“You must wear a seatbelt.” — “I have to finish this report today.” — “You don’t have to bring anything — we have everything.” — “You mustn’t smoke here.”

Rule

Must and have to both express obligation, and are often interchangeable, though “have to” is more common for external rules (work, law) and “must” for the speaker’s own strong feeling. Mustn’t means it is forbidden (don’t do it). Don’t have to means it’s not necessary (you can if you want, but it isn’t required) — a very different meaning from “mustn’t”!

Practice

  1. You ______ (must) wear a helmet on a motorcycle — it’s the law. Answer: must
  2. We ______ (not/have to) bring food — the restaurant provides it. Answer: don’t have to
  3. You ______ (mustn’t) park here — it’s forbidden. Answer: mustn’t
  4. I ______ (have to) work late tonight. Answer: have to
  5. She ______ (not/have to) come if she’s busy. Answer: doesn’t have to

Connect

Practice must/have to sentences with our Sentence Builder.

Try our Sentence Builder →

This lesson supports: I can understand and give simple instructions and rules.

Azizul Hakim
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