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TermsEnglish (UK) · Modal Verbs
Must, Have to, Mustn't, Don't have to
Must and have to both say that something is necessary: Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Only have to works after do/does and after modals such as will and might: Does she have to work? You'll have to wait. The past of both is had to: We had to walk home.
In the negative, the meaning splits:
- mustn't = it is not allowed (can't also works): You mustn't smoke here.
- don't have to / doesn't have to = it is not necessary, you can choose (don't need to also works): I don't have to get up early.
- didn't have to = it was not necessary in the past: It was warm, so we didn't have to wear coats.
Careful: mustn't never means "not necessary".
Examples
- You must wear a helmet.
- Does he have to work on Saturday?
- You mustn't park in front of the gate.
- They don't have to wear a tie.
- I had to wait for an hour.
Try it yourself
Everyone wear a seatbelt in the car. It's the law.Show answer
Everyone must wear a seatbelt in the car. It's the law.
Her train leaves in ten minutes. She go now.Show answer
Her train leaves in ten minutes. She must go now.
This letter is very important. It arrive by Friday.Show answer
This letter is very important. It must arrive by Friday.
Tom is very ill, so he stay in bed.Show answer
Tom is very ill, so he must stay in bed.
Your passport be valid when you travel abroad.Show answer
Your passport must be valid when you travel abroad.
Does she wear a uniform at work?Show answer
Does she have to wear a uniform at work?
Do I bring anything to the party?Show answer
Do I have to bring anything to the party?
What time do you start work?Show answer
What time do you have to start work?
Will we pay for the tickets?Show answer
Will we have to pay for the tickets?
I'm afraid you'll wait a few minutes.Show answer
I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few minutes.