When do we use 'must', when do we use 'have to'?
Must and have to both express obligation.
However, they are used differently depending on who imposes the obligation. |
MUST | HAVE TO |
The speaker thinks it is necessary. | Someone else thinks it is necessary. |
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- I must buy flowers for my mother.
(It's her birthday and I decide to do that.)
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- I have to buy flowers for my mother-in-law.
(It is not my decision - my husband asked me to do it.)
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- "You must take more exercise" says the doctor.
(The doctor thinks it is necessary.)
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- I have to take more exercise.
(The doctor says it is necessary.)
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- I must ask my secretary to book a flight for me.
(It is important for me not to forget.)
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- I have to call the travel agency.
(My boss asked me to book a flight.)
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- "Dogs must be kept on a lead."
(Written on a sign in the park = a rule which must be obeyed.)
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- I have to keep my dog on a lead.
(That's what the sign tells me to do.)
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'Must' can also be used to show that we are certain something is true. In this case we are
making a logical deduction based on the evidence we have.
◊ You've had a long journey. You must be tired.
◊ There's no heat in this room. You must be cold.
◊ You haven't eaten all day. You must be hungry. |
N.B. In the negative form, the meaning changes. |
- You mustn't tell George =
it is important not to tell George = don't tell George.
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- You don't have to tell George =
you can tell George if you like, but it isn't necessary. It's your decision.
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