Must and Have to

Introduction

Both “must and have to” are modal verbs. While they share similarities, they serve distinct purposes in expressing obligation.

In this article, we will explore the difference between “must and have to“, providing simplified explanations and clear examples to help you use these modal verbs effectively.

Must and Have to

What’s the difference between must and have to?

“Must and have to” are special words in English that it’s necessary to do something. When you use ‘must,’ it often means you feel like you should do it yourself. But when you use ‘have to,’ it usually means someone or something else is making you do it, like a rule or a law.

Now let’s look at these modal verbs in more detail!

Must and Have to – A Closer Look!

Must and have to are modal verbs in English. Although they both refer to an obligation, they are used in different contexts. “Must” expresses a personal obligation, while “have to” refers to an external requirement.

Must

1. Must is used to express a strong obligation. It is used for personal opinions about what it is necessary to do.

Examples:

• I must arrive in class on time.
• They must stop teasing her.
• I must go to bed.

2. We also use must to make a logical deduction based on evidence. It indicates that the speaker is certain about something:

Examples:

• It has rained all day, it must be very wet outside.
• The weather is fantastic in California. It must be a lot of fun to live there.

Here are more example sentences with “must”:

1. I must finish my homework before going out to play.
2. She must eat her vegetables before having dessert.
3. We must be respectful to our elders.
4. He must remember to call his friend on their birthday.
5. You must wear a helmet while riding a bike.
6. They must study hard to pass the exam.
7. The team must work together to win the game.
8. I must apologize for my mistake.
9. You must turn off the lights before leaving the room.
10. We must be on time for the meeting tomorrow.

Have to

Like “must“, “have to” is used to express strong obligation, but when we use have to there is usually a sense of external obligation. Some external circumstance makes the obligation necessary.

Examples:

• I have to send an urgent email.
• I have to take this book back to the library.

Here are more example sentences with “have to”:

1. Employees have to attend the mandatory training session.
2. Students have to submit their assignments by the deadline.
3. Drivers have to follow the speed limit on the highway.
4. We have to pay our bills on time to avoid late fees.
5. Children have to ask for permission before leaving the school premises.
6. Visitors have to sign in at the reception before entering the building.
7. Everyone has to follow the company’s dress code.
8. I have to visit the doctor for a regular check-up.
9. She has to take the bus because her car is in the shop.
10. We have to follow the instructions carefully to assemble the furniture.

Conclusion

“Must” signifies certainty and can express a strong obligation, while “have to” indicates a sense of external obligation arising from specific circumstances. By recognizing these distinctions and applying them in various contexts, you can enhance your language proficiency and convey your thoughts more precisely.

More about “Must Vs. Have To” here.

Related Pages:

• Modal verbs
• Present and past of modals
• Modals for Obligation
• Must and have to
• Shall and will
• Is need a modal verb?
• Exercise on modals
• Exercise on modals in the past
• Exercise on modals: mustn’t or needn’t
• Exercise on have to vs don’t have to
• Exercise on Modals for Obligation: must, mustn’t, don’t have/doesn’t have to
• Exercise on the meaning of modals

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