Grammar Practice in Context - David Bolton, Noel Goodey 1997
27 Must/mustn’t Have to/don’t have to
Quick reference
• Musi and have to sometimes mean the same - that something is necessary or obligatory. / must go now. or / have to go now.
• In informal speech we can also use have got to. It usually means the same as have to.
I’ve got to go now.
• To ask if something is necessary or obligatory, we normally use Do I/you, etc. have to? Do you have to be over 18? Do I have to come with you?
• There is sometimes a difference in meaning.
Must, obligation coming from the speaker. You must read this book. I think it’s good.
Have to: obligation coming from the outside. They have to wear a uniform at school.
I didn’t have to wear a uniform when I was at school, but I had to have short hair.
• Mustn’t and don't have to do not mean the same.
Mustn’t. You have no choice. You mustn’t walk on the grass.
Don’t have to: You have a choice. You don’t have to eat the soup if you don’t like it.
1 Two people are on a day-trip to France. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word(s) given.
1 It was necessary for us to be at Dover at 10.15. (had)
We ... at 10.15. The ferry left at 10.45.
2 It wasn’t necessary for us to queue. (didn’t)
We ... queue. The ferry was half empty.
3 It wasn’t necessary to take any seasick pills. (have)
I ... pills. The sea wasn’t rough.
4 Normally it’s necessary to show your passport when you enter a foreign country, but when we got
to Calais it was unnecessary. (have) (didn’t)
Normally ... passport when you enter a foreign country but when we got to Calais we ...
5 Every time I go to France I need to remind myself to drive on the right. (have)
Every time I ... to drive on the right.
6 Some British drivers find this difficult. But it’s essential not to forget it. (You) ... it.
7 The last ferry to Dover left at 11.00 so it was important to be at Calais by 10.30. (we)
The last ferry to Dover left at 11.00 so ... by 10.30.
2 Look at these signs and complete the sentences using forms of must and have to.
1 You ... pay now.
2 You ... footpath.
3 You ... 18 to get into the club.
4 You ... pay ... tickets.
5 You ... home.
6 You ... pay for parking after 6 pm.
7 You ... over 25 and you ... a full British licence.
8 You ... walk ... grass.
9 You ... pay for service.
10 You ... wear a jacket and tie and you ... wear jeans or a T-shirt.
3 One person is in a hurry, the other is more relaxed. Which sentences on the right match the ones on the left?
1 We must hurry.
2 We don’t have to panic.
3 We mustn’t miss the train.
4 We must leave enough time to buy tickets.
5 We must call for a taxi.
6 We don’t have to go by taxi.
7 We mustn’t forget to set the burglar alarm.
8 We don’t have to worry about the house.
a) John will give us a lift.
b) It’s too far to walk.
c) The neighbours will keep an eye on it.
d) The house will be empty for three weeks.
e) We’ve got plenty of time.
f) We haven’t got much time.
g) There might be a queue at the ticket office.
h) There isn’t another one till much later.
1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8...
4 Put the following pieces of advice in the correct columns.
ADVICE TO VISITORS TO THE USA
A) have a valid passport B) stay in motels C) visit New York D) work unless you’ve got a work permit E) have an American Express credit card F) stay longer than your visa permits G) drive on the right H) have enough money for the duration of your stay I) drive at more than 55 mph on most roads J) have air conditioning in your car K) have alcohol, in a bottle or can, in your car
You must/have to
...
You mustn’t
...
You don’t have to
...