A puzzling question
Drivers .........carry a valid driving licence when operating a motor vehicle.
a) have to b) must c) need to
I study British English. My teacher says we use 'must' when we talk about laws and regulations and we use 'have to' when we talk about an external obligation. He told us the correct answer to this sentence according to formal British English is 'must'. In fact, this difference is confusing. Is 'have to' OK, too?
Top answer
I would agree in principle with your teacher, at least as far as formal English is concerned. In your example sentence, which looks like something you might see in a government pamphlet, I would expect to see "must". However, in everyday speech we generally don't pay close attention to the distinctions.
- I would agree in principle with your teacher, at least as far as formal English is concerned.
- In your example sentence, which looks like something you might see in a government pamphlet, I would expect to see "must".
- However, in everyday speech we generally don't pay close attention to the distinctions.
- I would be much more likely to use "have to" or "need to" if I were explaining to someone that you are supposed to have your licence with you when you drive.
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I would agree in principle with your teacher, at least as far as formal English is concerned. In your example sentence, which looks like something you might see in a government pamphlet, I would expect to see "must". However, in everyday speech we generally don't pay close attention to the distinctions. I would be much more likely to use "have to" or "need to" if I were explaining to someone t
0Omar Ahmedwe use 'have to' when we talk about an external obligation
Laws and regulations ARE external obligations.
0Omar AhmedMy teacher says we use 'must' when we talk about laws and regulations
I disagree. We use 'must' when we write laws and regulations for others to follow. In other words, we say or write 'must' when we impose obligations on others. That's why you are being told the answer is 'must'.
But in British English we use 'must' when we impos
0
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