Must/have to (Modals)
Intermediate (B1)en
Must/have to
Modals of Obligation — Must and Have to
In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about obligation — things that are necessary or required.
1. What Obligation Means
Obligation is about things that are necessary, required, or expected.
Examples:
- “You must wear a seatbelt.”
- “I have to wake up early tomorrow.”
2. Using Must
We use must when the obligation comes from the speaker or from a strong personal feeling.
Examples:
We use must when the obligation comes from the speaker or from a strong personal feeling.
Examples:
- “I must finish this report today.”
- “You must try this cake.”
3. Using Have to
We use have to when the obligation comes from rules, laws, or external situations.
Examples:
- “I have to wear a uniform at work.”
- “We have to show our passports at the airport.”
Note: The past form of “have to” is had to for obligations in the past.
4. Must vs Have to — Meaning Difference
Compare how the source of obligation changes the meaning.
Examples:
- “I must study tonight.”
→ Personal decision. - “I have to study tonight.”
→ The situation requires it.
5. Negative Forms (Important Difference)
The negative forms have very different meanings.
Examples:
- “You mustn’t park here.”
→ It is not allowed. - “You don’t have to come tomorrow.”
→ It is not necessary.
6. Key Takeaway
- Must shows strong, personal obligation.
- Have to shows external obligation.
- Mustn’t means prohibition.
- Don’t have to means no obligation.
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with interactive fill-in-the-blank exercises
Must/have to
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Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic
Must/have to
B1Modals (Must/Have to)
2 wordsmust
verb
Used to express necessity or obligation.
You must finish your homework before going out.