Grammar, compared
Must vs have to vs should
Must and have to are close. Mustn't and don't have to are opposites. Should is advice.
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| Must, have to | Mustn't, don't have to |
|---|---|
| I have to wear a uniform. (A rule.) | You don't have to wear a tie. (Not necessary.) |
| You must call your mother. (I feel strongly.) | You mustn't park here. (Forbidden.) |
| She must be tired. (I'm sure.) | You should rest. (Advice.) |
When to use each
| Meaning | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rule from outside | have to, has to | I have to work on Saturdays. |
| Strong personal feeling | must | I must remember to call her. |
| Forbidden | mustn't | You mustn't use your phone here. |
| Not necessary | don't have to, don't need to | You don't have to come. |
| Advice | should, shouldn't | You should sleep more. |
| Sure it is true | must be | He must be at work. |
Watch out if you speak Spanish
- You don't have to is not the opposite of you must. It means you can, but you do not need to. The opposite is you mustn't.
- Must has no past. Yesterday I had to work, not I musted.
- Tengo que is usually have to. Debería is should.
- Ask Do I have to? in normal speech. Must I? sounds formal.
Practice
Grammar practice
Choose or type the answer for each sentence, then check.
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Questions
- Is must the same as have to?
- Often close. Must is usually your own strong feeling, and have to is a rule or a need from outside. Have to is more common in speech.
- Can I say don't must?
- No. Must does not use do. Say mustn't for forbidden, or don't have to for not necessary.
Keep going
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