Sentences with must and have to. #5 Difference between Must and Have to
Modal verb must used primarily to express obligation, but in colloquial speech it is often replaced with a reverse have to. In this article we will look at the meaning of the verb must, examples of use, differences from have to, should, be supposed to.
Table: modal verb Must in affirmative, negative and interrogative forms
- You must obey. - You must obey (order).
- You must do your duty. - You must fulfill one's duty (obligation, order).
- You must read more. - You must read more (strong advice).
Verb must can refer not only to the present, but also to the future tense:
- We must finish our work tomorrow. - We must finish our work tomorrow.
- He must return in an hour. - He must be back in an hour.
Other means can be used to express obligation and advice; read more about this below.
2. Categorical prohibition
Modal verb must in the negative form denotes a categorical prohibition, and not “should not.”
- You must not smoke in this area. – Prohibited smoke in this area.
- You mustn't break item in a store. – It is forbidden break goods in a store.
Milder forms of prohibition are can't(especially popular in colloquial speech) and may not:
- You can't just leave without paying for your meal. - You you can not just leave without paying for the dish (this is prohibited).
- You may not take these tools. - To you it is forbidden take these tools (this is prohibited).
3. Assumption
By using must expresses a confident assumption that the speaker considers plausible. The premise can refer to the present or past tense. Note that for an uncertain assumption that the speaker does not consider plausible, use .
3.1 Assumption relevant to the present time
- He must see us from there. - He, there must be, sees us from there.
- Sandy must remember my address. – Sandy there must be, remembers my address.
The phrase with the verb is especially often used:
- You must be John. - You, there must be, John.
- He must be busy now. - Now he, there must be, busy.
If it is assumed that the action is performed at the moment of speech, a verb with the ending is used -ing:
- Where is he? – No must be swimming in the pool. - Where is he? - He, must be floating in the pool (now).
3.2 Assumption relating to the past tense
- Where is my phone? I must have forgotten it at home. - Where is my phone? I, I must have forgotten his home.
- She must have been very dissapointed. - She, there must be, Very disappointed.
Note: How do you express a future tense proposition?
Verb must not used to express an assumption about the future. You can use other means for this, for example: probably, perhaps- probably, to be likely to(to be possible, probable).
- January, there must be, it will be cold. – January will probably be cold/January is likely to be cold / Perhaps January will be cold.
- She, there must be, will forgive her husband. – She will probably forgive her husband / She is likely to forgive her husband / Perhaps, she will forgive her husband.
Also note that the assumption with must cannot be constructed in negative form. Other words are used for this too.
- He, there must be, not speak English. – No probably doesn't speak English.
Modal verb Must and phrase Have to
Synonym of verb must is the turnover have to- to be due. Unlike must, it can be used at any time. In a negative form, it expresses not a prohibition, but a lack of necessity (“must not”). There is a rather subtle semantic difference between them.
Must used as a “strong” ought, expressing an obligation or need to do something that you really consider necessary, something that is personally relevant to you, and also something that is extremely important.
- I must pass the exam. - I must pass the exam (this is my obligation).
Have to can express a “soft” obligation: the need to do something, often forced, sometimes not so important.
- We have to hurry. - Us need to hurry up (We must hurry up).
- You don't have to tip a bartender here. - Here you are is not obliged to tip the bartender (shouldn't).
- He didn't have to help me. - He didn't have to help me.
- I will have to wait. - To me have to wait.
However, in colloquial speech have to often used in the same sense as must.
- I have to pass the exam. - I must pass the exam.
This sentence can be understood in two ways: 1) I must pass the exam because I am forced, obliged, 2) I must pass the exam because it is my personal moral duty (as with the verb must).
Let's try to compare two sentences with must and have to to better understand the difference. The company went on a hike, and in the process it turned out that Tim had difficulty carrying his things. We have to help him.
- We must helpTim. - We must help Tim.
In this case, Tim is our friend, we cannot leave him, he needs, definitely needs help. So what if he took more things than he could carry? We will help him. If he were us, Tim would have done the same.
- We have to helpTim. - We must help Tim.
Some Tim took more junk than he could handle. Because of him, everyone has to walk slower, he constantly asks to wait. We'll have to help him, but next time we won't take him with us.
This is a very approximate example, because the option with have to can also be suitable for the first case with Tim the friend. Much depends on the context, the specific case, and even the intonation with which you say the phrase.
In general, in colloquial speech they use much more often have to, when you need to say something like “I must”, “I have to”, “I have to”, etc.
Difference between Must, Have to, Should, Be Supposed to
We have already discussed the difference between must and have to. Let's see how the modal verb differs from them should and turnover be supposed to. The main difference is that they do not express obligation, although they can be translated into Russian with the words “need” or “must”.
Should– this is used (in particular) to express advice, wishes, recommendations. That is, not “you should”, but “you should”:
- You should try this cake, it's delicious. - You should(you should \ you should \ you need) try this pie, it's very tasty.
- We shouldn't leave the door open. It's cold out there. - Us not worth it(shouldn't) leave the door open. It's cold outside.
Expressions with turnover be supposed to are often translated with the word “must”, but this is not “should” in the sense of “obliged, forced”, but “must” in the sense of “ in theory should" or "it is implied that". The difference is huge.
- I saw you outside smoking, but you were supposed to be working. - I saw you smoking on the street, then you (in theory) should have work (but didn't work).
- This is supposed to be the best day in my life, but I’m not feeling happy. - This should be (in theory) best day of my life, but I don't feel happy.
Must is a very “hard” verb that expresses the obligation or need to do something. Must stronger than should. If in case should there is still some choice (to do or not to do), then in the case must no choice! That's an order.
Have to has the same meaning as must.
1. Must and have to are used to express the need to do something.
Example
I must leave. - I must go.
I have to leave. - I must go.
In this situation must And have to are used interchangeably.
2. Difference in the use of must and have to
Must is more personal in nature. Must used to express personal feelings and sensations.
Example
I must do my best. - I have to do my best.
In this case, the speaker expresses his feelings about this matter.
Have to is impersonal in nature. Have to used when talking about facts rather than personal feelings.
Example
I have to visit my doctor. - I have to visit my doctor.
Apparently, not everything is in order with your health, and this is a fact that you cannot argue with, and not some kind of personal feeling.
Note
Sometimes the difference is in use must And have to so subtle that it is difficult to determine which verb to use. In such situations it is better to use have to.
3. Must - there is no past!
Remember, verb must has no past tense form!
Therefore, it can be used for the present and future tenses, but not for the past.
Example
We must visit a doctor now. - We must visit the doctor now.
We must visit a doctor tomorrow. - We have to visit the doctor tomorrow.
4. Have to - for all forms
Unlike must, have to can be used for all forms, including the past tense.
Example
I had to visit my doctor. - I had to visit my doctor.
We can't say here must, because time is past! Therefore, we calmly use the equivalent must - have to!
5. Logical inference
Must used when the speaker draws a conclusion based on available facts. And although he has full confidence that his conclusion is absolute truth, it’s not far from that. The Russian analogue is the “should be” construction. And where it should be, there it is must!
Example
The ground is wet. It must be raining. - The ground is wet. It must be raining.
The ground is wet - so we concluded that it is raining! And since our logic is ironclad, we use must! After all, it's raining must go, he just can’t help but go!
6 Mustn’t and don’t have to are two big differences
Mustn't= don't do this! That's an order! (don't do it)
Don't have to= there is no need to do this or it is not necessary (but in principle it is possible)
Examples
You mustn’t be late. - You shouldn't be late.
(Don't be late! You can't be late!)
You don't have to be on time. - You don't have to be on time.
Those. you may be late. But in principle you can arrive on time.
I must answer this letter. (= I have to answer this letter.)
I must answer this letter.
Forms of the modal verb must:
MUST is used in all persons and can refer to the present and future tense.
I must do it now. I have to do this now.
I must do it tomorrow. I have to do this tomorrow.
In the past time must used only in indirect speech.
Negative form: must not (mustn’t).
Interrogative form: must I? etc.
Interrogative-negative form: must I not? (mustn’t I?), etc.
Instead of a verb must verb can be used have to in the present and future tenses, and in the present and past tenses in colloquial form it is used have got to, had got to etc.
In the past tense instead of a verb must verb used have in the past tense followed by an infinitive with to (had to) or had got to.
The interrogative form of the phrase have to is formed using the auxiliary verb to do, and have got to - by placing the verb have before the subject.
The negative form of the phrase have to is formed using the auxiliary verb to do, and have got to - by posing a negation not after the verb have.
There is no particular difference in meaning between interrogative forms in the present tense. Have I got to? And Do I have to? etc. no, but the latter is preferable for expressing habitual actions. There is no particular difference between the forms of have to in the past tense Had I (got) to? And Did I have to? etc., however the latter is preferable.
Future turnover time have to is formed in the same way as the future simple indefinite tense when using any other verb.
Why does he have to go there? (=Why has he got to go there?)
Why should he go there?
I don't have to go there. (= I haven’t got to go there.)
I don't need to go there.
We didn't have to go there with John.
We didn't have to go there with John.
Did he have to go there with her?
Did he have to go there with her?
Will he have to ask her about it again?
Does he really have to ask her about this again?
I shan’t have to go to that place again.
I won't have to go there again.
Using the verbs must and have to
In the affirmative:
1. Must- to express moral obligation, obligation, imposed by someone or coming from the speaker, as well as internally realized necessity.
You must make your bed yourself.
You must make your own bed.
Go if you must.
Go if you have to (if you think it's necessary).
I must go immediately.
I need to go immediately (since it may be late, etc.).
Have to- to express an obligation, but caused by circumstances.
You will have to make your bed yourself when you join the army.
You'll have to make your own bed when you join the army. ( The army obliges you to do this.)
He has to get up at 7 o'clock.
He must get up at 7 o'clock. ( Circumstances force him - for example, he studies on the first shift.)
Please note:
For the 1st person this difference is less significant.
Have to usually used to express a common action, often repeated, turning into a habit.
Must used to express an extremely necessary, important action.
I have to be at my office at nine every day.
I have to be at work every day at 9 o'clock.
We have to water this cactus twice a month.
We have to water this cactus twice a month.
I must ring him up at 10. It’s very important.
I have to call him at 10 o'clock. It is very important.
2. Must- to express urgent advice or invitation. In such cases it is translated into Russian (necessarily) must, (certainly) must.
You must come and see our new house. It's so lovely.
You should definitely come and see our new home. He is so beautiful.
You must read this article.
You should definitely read this article.
In question form:
1. Must and its equivalents have to And have got to- to express obligation and necessity. At the same time, the equivalents have to and have got to are more common in these meanings in the question than must, since they do not convey additional shades of reluctance, irritation, etc., characteristic of the use of the verb must, which means “necessarily must.”
Must I go there immediately?
Do I have to go there immediately?
When does he have to go there? (When has he got to go there?)
When should he go there?
2. Have to used more often than must to express an obligation in the future, forced from the outside.
Shall I have to answer your question? When will you have to do it?
Do I need to answer your question? When will you need to do this?
3. Have to and (less often) must used to express a common action that is often repeated.
Child: Must I clean my teeth tonight?
Child: Should I brush my teeth tonight?
Do you have to wind your watch every day?
Do you have to wind your watch every day?
In the negative form must not or need not is used.
Must not - indicates that the action is prohibited.
Need not - shows that there is no need to perform an action.
You must not speak like that to your mother.
You shouldn't talk to your mother like that.
You mustn't miss your lectures.
You shouldn't miss lectures.
If you have a headache you need not go to school.
If you have a headache, you shouldn't go to school.
In answers to questions starting with a verb must, used in an affirmative answer must, in the negative - needn't.
Mustn't also has the meaning of a categorical prohibition ( cannot, must not, prohibited), and therefore this form is typical for prohibiting messages to children, expressing warnings in advertisements, etc.
You mustn't go there anyway.
In any case, you can't go there.
Mustn’t is also used to mean “cannot” in a negative answer to the question May...? (Is it possible...?).
May I take that pen? -Can I take that pen? -
No, you mustn't. No you can not.
2. Must used to express an assumption. At the same time, notice the difference in the use of structures
must + Indefinite Infinitive and must + Perfect Infinitive
Must + Indefinite Infinitive used to express probability, assumptions that the speaker believes
quite plausible. This combination translates it should probably be and is used in relation to action in the present tense.
They must know his address.
1. They must (probably) know his address.
2. They must know his address.
Not must be in the library now.
1. He must be in the library now.
2. He should be in the library now.
Must + Perfect Infinitive is used to express a possibility, an assumption of the same nature, but in relation to the past tense, and is also translated as it should probably be.
They must have known his address.
They must have known his address.
They must have forgotten my address.
They must (probably) have forgotten my address.
She must have gone to her parents.
She must have gone to her parents.
Reflexive pronouns in English are a type of pronoun that expresses the direction of action on the person producing it. Returnable and intensifying pronouns differ by persons, genders and numbers.
We have examined 3 basic modal verbs. Let's repeat these points again, and then look at the remaining modal verbs:
- Modal verbs do not change tenses and do not take any endings;
- Modal verbs are also auxiliary verbs;
- After modal verbs the infinitive comes without to .
There is one very good modal verb that satisfies all these conditions without any exceptions. This verb is must . It is most often translated into Russian as “must, obliged.” As a rule, we use it when we want to express unquestioning obedience to something.
- You must obey the federal law. - You must follow federal law.
- All employees must sign this document. - All employees must sign this document.
- People mustn't be indifferent. - People shouldn't be indifferent.
As you can see, we use must when talking about sustainable traditions and laws, be they moral or legal.
- The negative form mustn"t can be used to express a prohibition:
- You mustn’t leave the house after 10! - You are not allowed to leave the house after 10!
From must different verb - have to . It is not modal appearance, but is such in meaning. He also conveys an obligation, but of a different kind. Let's look at the difference in meaning between must And have to .
As stated earlier, must - this is an expression of subordination to GENERAL laws; that is, you realize that you must do something because it is socially accepted.
Have to - this is an expression of subordination due to PRIVATE circumstances. A more suitable translation for it is “to be forced, to have to.” That is, you must do something because something forces you to do it.
- My car has broken down. I will have to take a taxi. - My car broke down. I'll have to take a taxi (= I'm forced to take a taxi).
- Compare: I must go by car because it’s the fastest way to get to the airport. - I should go by car because it’s the fastest way to get to the airport (i.e. it’s a generally accepted truth - by car it’s fastest, that’s why you choose this mode of transport).
But despite the difference, must And have to interchangeable. Unlike must , have to changes over time and takes on different endings. Therefore, if you really need to show this time and at the same time maintain modality, then instead must use have to .
- Next week I have to go on a business trip. - Next week I will have to go on business.
- We were supposed to finish the project last month. - Last month we had to finish the project.
- She should apologize. - She has to apologize.
Naturally, have to - this is an ordinary verb, so we deal with it according to tradition: we add, if necessary, endings, auxiliary verbs, etc. The auxiliary verb in this case is do .
- They have to leave. - They must leave.
- They don't have to leave. - They don’t have to leave. - They shouldn't leave.
- Do they have to leave? - Yes, they do./ No, they don’t. - Should they leave?
Uses of the verb Must
- To express urgent advice or command, both to oneself and to others.
- To express the suggestion that something may be plausible or probable.
Features of the use of the verb Must
- The construction must have + past participle is used to express an assumption that relates to the past.
- Must is not used to express ought in the past tense. The verb used for this is had to.
- Must be used in indirect speech to express a past action.
Examples
- Must I finish this exercise now? – Should I finish this exercise now? (the need to perform an action)
- It is almost 8 o"clock. You must hurry up - It’s almost 8 o’clock. You need to hurry up. (urgent advice or order)
- This must be the right answer - This must be the correct answer. (expression of assumption)
- I can't find my wallet. I must have left it at home - I can't find my wallet. I must have left his home. (an expression of an assumption that refers to the past)
- I knew there must be some solution – I knew that it should have been some kind of solution. (used in indirect speech to express a past action)
- You must not touch bare wires - You must not touch bare wires. (order)
#2 Modal verb Have to
Uses of the verb Have to
- To express the need to perform an action.
- To express the likelihood of something (more often used in American English).
Features of the use of the verb Have to
- In interrogative and negative sentences it is used with the auxiliary verb do/does/did/will, etc.
- Verb form changes depending on time.
Examples
- You don"t have to make a decision right now - You don’t have to make a decision right now. (no need to take an action)
- My sister is short-sighted. She has to wear glasses – My sister is nearsighted. She has to wear glasses. (necessity)
- Do you have to go shopping today? We can do it tomorrow together – Do you need to go shopping today? We can do this tomorrow together. (necessity)
- We are still on the way. It has to be further than we thought – We are still on the way. It must be further than we thought. (expression of assumption)
- You had to turn left at the crossroads - You had to turn left at the crossroads. (not the speaker’s personal opinion, but a necessity due to certain circumstances)
- You will have to send her an e-mail - You will have to send her an e-mail. (necessity)
#3 Modal verb Should
Uses of the verb Should
- To express a need, advice, recommendation.
Features of the use of the verb Should
- The construction should have + past participle is used when talking about events in the past that did not happen or could/could not happen.
- Used in indirect speech in relation to the past tense, if the verb should was used in direct speech in the sentence. In other cases, the verb should not used in the past tense. Instead, was/were supposed to is usually used.
Note
The constructions should have + past participle and to be supposed to are close in meaning and can often be interchanged. However, the design should have + past participle carries a greater connotation of criticism and regret, while the construction to be supposed to is less categorical and more common in colloquial speech.
Examples
- It is cold outside. You should put on a jacket – It’s cold outside. You should wear a jacket. (advice)
- He should have learned this lesson by now - He should have already learned this lesson. (we are talking about an event in the past that could have already happened)
- They said we should not wait for them - They said that we should not wait for them. (indirect speech, provided that the verb should was used in direct speech)
- Why don"t you call them? The car should be fixed by now - Why don’t you call them? The car should already be repaired. (probability)
- Should I follow the instructions? – Should I follow the instructions? (please give advice or recommendation)
- She was supposed to introduce me to him (NOT She should introduce me to him) – She had to introduce me to him. (we are talking about the past tense, in which case the expression was supposed to is used instead of the verb should)
#4 Modal verb Ought to
Cases of use verb ought to
- To express obligation, advice, recommendation.
- To express the probability of something.
Features of the use of the verb Ought to
- The construction is used in relation to the past time when the event did not occur.
Examples
- You ought to listen to your parents - You must listen to your parents. (expression of obligation)
- Hurry up! You ought not to miss your train – Hurry up! You mustn't miss your train. (advice, recommendation)
- Ought we to start the speech now? – Should we start speaking now? (the speaker asks for advice)
- His behavior ought to improve after this talk - His behavior should improve after this conversation. (probability expression)
- The plane landed an hour ago. They ought to have gone through the customs by now – The plane landed an hour ago. They are already should have passed through customs. (design ought to have + past participle; The example shows that the action did not occur)
#5 Difference between Must and Have to
- The verb Must is used to express personal feelings speaker. The verb Have to is used when speaking about facts and about necessity due to certain circumstances.
- The verb Must is used when talking about the present or future, but not the past. The verb Have to is used in all tenses.
- When forming negative and interrogative sentences, the verb Have to requires the use auxiliary verbs do/does/did/will, etc.
- Must not is used when it is important not to do what is being discussed in the sentence. Do not have to is used when something is not needed, but it can be done (depending on the desire of the speaker).
Examples
- You must change your diet to lose some weight - You must change your diet to lose weight. (personal opinion of the speaker)
- You do not have to drink so much water - You may not drink so much water. (no need for this)
- You must not drink so much water - You must not drink so much water. (this is a ban)
- You have to turn left at the crossroads - You must turn left at the intersection. (not the speaker’s personal opinion, but a fact)
#6 Difference between Must and Should/Ought to
- The verb Must expresses a higher degree of obligation. The verb Must is more often used in orders, regulations, etc. The verbs Should and Ought to are more often used in advice and recommendations.
- In assumptions, the verbs Should and Ought to indicate a lower degree of confidence of the speaker than the verb Must.
- In logical inferences and conclusions, the verb Must is used.
Examples
- It is cold outside. You must wear a coat – It’s cold outside. You must put on your coat. (higher degree of obligation, order)
- In weather like this you should wear a coat - In this weather you should wear a coat. (advice, recommendation)
- The dinner must be ready now - Dinner must be ready. (high degree of confidence of the speaker)
- The dinner should be ready now - Dinner should be ready. (lower degree of speaker's confidence, assumption)
- Are they on holiday? They must be having a great time! -Are they on vacation? They must be having a great time! (logical conclusion, conclusion)