مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.
English — Grammar: Must vs Have to (Obligation) — 2nd Year Middle School — Algerian Curriculum
Introduction
In English, we use “must” and “have to” to talk about obligation and necessity. Although they are similar, there is a small difference in meaning.
Must
We use “must” to express a strong personal obligation or an authority rule. It is often used for rules, laws, and important instructions.
- You must wear a seatbelt in a car. (law)
- Students must arrive on time. (school rule)
- I must finish my homework tonight. (personal obligation)
Negative: Must not (mustn’t) — It is forbidden.
- You mustn’t smoke in class.
- We mustn’t be late.
Have to
We use “have to” for external obligations (rules made by others or circumstances).
- I have to wake up early every day. (because of school)
- She has to take the bus. (because she doesn’t have a car)
- They don’t have to wear a uniform. (not necessary)
Negative: Don’t/Doesn’t have to — It is not necessary.
- You don’t have to come if you are tired.
- He doesn’t have to buy a new book.
Difference: Must vs Have to
| Must | Have to |
|---|---|
| Strong obligation (personal/authority) | External obligation |
| No past form (use “had to”) | Has past form: had to |
| Mustn’t = prohibition | Don’t have to = not necessary |
Exercises
- Fill in the blanks with must, mustn’t, have/has to, or don’t/doesn’t have to.
- Write 5 rules for your school using must and mustn’t.
- Write 3 things you have to do but you don’t want to do.
Useful Links
Check out this verb lesson and this grammar lesson.