10th August 2022

POSITIVE STATEMENT
The difference between MUST and HAVE TO / HAS TO ?
MUST and HAVE TO / HAS TO are both used to express an obligation,
responsibility or necessity.

• I must write a letter to John.

• I must go to the bathroom.
• I must study hard.

The speaker decides that something is necessary, or needs to be done.

The other example with HAVE TO.

• I have to write a letter to John.

• We have to wear a uniform at work.

We use have to when somebody else has made the decision.

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POSITIVE STATEMENT

Compare the following sentences:

• The Teacher says: You must complete the essay by Friday

• The Student says: We have to complete the essay by Friday.

The teacher has used MUST because he or has is giving the students an
obligation.

When we mention someone else’s obligation, then we use Have to.

• Mike can’t come because he has to work tomorrow.

• Susan and Steve have to pay their rent every Friday.

In both examples you would not use MUST because we are talking about someone
else’s obligations.
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NEGATIVE STATEMENT

The difference between MUST NOT / MUSTN’T and

DON’T HAVE TO / DOESN’T HAVE TO ?

MUSTN’T : It’s an obligation to follow.

• I mustn’t wear shorts at school.

• I mustn’t drink alcohol if I don’t want to get sick.
• You mustn’t go there, it’s dangerous.

DON’T HAVE TO / DOESN’T HAVE TO

: It’s not an obligation, only a suggestion

• I don’t have to wear my jacket at at the office.

• I don’t have to drink the vitamin.
• You don’t have to go there if you don’t want to.
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1. You have to wear a tie if you want to go to that restaurant. It's one of their rules !

2. I have to go away on business, my boss wants me to visit our firm in Japan.

3. Don't be silly, you must take these tablets four times a day !

4. You mustn't speak too loud, the baby is sleeping.

5. I must work my English : I want to speak fluently.

6. This room is a mess, I really must find time to clean it !

7. You mustn't smoke in Paul's car or he'll get very angry with you !

8. You don't have to do that Jane, I'll do it later, don't worry.

9. You really must stop driving so fast or you'll have an accident !

10. I really must remember to post that letter before five o'clock.
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