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Must, have to, mustn’t, don’t have to
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 15 of 25
Must and have to talk about things that are necessary. Their negatives, mustn’t and don’t have to, have very different meanings, so this lesson helps you choose correctly.
Must and have to: it is necessary
must + base verb (same for every person) and have to / has to + base verb both mean something is necessary. Must often shows the speaker’s own feeling or a written rule. Have to often shows a rule from other people.
I must call my mum tonight. (I think it’s important.)
Students must wear a uniform. (school rule)
Ken has to get up at 6 a.m. for work.
Do you have to work on Saturdays?
Must has no past form. For the past, use had to: I had to wait for an hour yesterday.
Mustn’t and don’t have to: very different!
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| mustn’t (must not) | Don’t do it! It is not allowed. | You mustn’t smoke here. |
| don’t / doesn’t have to | It is not necessary. You can choose. | You don’t have to come. It’s OK. |
You mustn’t use your phone in the exam.
We mustn’t be late for the train.
Tomorrow is Sunday, so I don’t have to get up early.
Maria doesn’t have to pay. Her ticket is free.
Questions
We usually ask with do / does … have to: Does Sam have to wear glasses? What time do you have to leave?
Common mistakes
✗ I must to go now.
✓ I must go now.
✗ She have to work today.
✓ She has to work today.
✗ I musted study yesterday.
✓ I had to study yesterday.
✗ You mustn’t bring food. We have a lot. (= not necessary)
✓ You don’t have to bring food. We have a lot.