Must & Have to

Question

What are the differences between have to and must?Could you explain me in detail?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

A must is a must, a have to you dont must <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/15.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/15.gif' alt='Emotion: geeked'/>

Ruslana · Answer

I am not a native, but from what I learnt ages ago, "must" is a way more emotionally strong verb than "have to". It's used when you want to emphasize that it's obligatory to do something. "Have to" is much softer and it's often used in daily situations.

Compare:

I must go = I have no other choice but to go, this is obligatory.

I have to go = It's time for me to go.

CalifJim · Answer

windyjoltWhat are the differences between "have to" and "must"? Could you explain this to me in detail?

The amount of detail that we can provide in the format of a forum is somewhat limited. You should consult grammar books for the details. The differences depend to some extent on whether you are interested in British or American English.

My recommendation for American English is to use (1) "have to" for obligations still to be carried out, and (2) "must" for logical deductions from already known facts. (3) "must" for obligations is reserved for official language such as found on signs or in legal documents. You are unlikely to need to resort to this usage very often. Concentrate on learning the first two.

1. I don't have any more stamps. I have to go to the post office and get some stamps.
Jerry is in a hurry. He has to be at the office by 8 o'clock.

2. The children are falling asleep. They must be very tired.
The lights are on. Lucy must be home.

3. Sign in a restaurant restroom: Employees must wash their hands before returning to work.
Road sign: Right lane must turn right.

CJ

Everlastinghope · Answer

CalifJim
1. I don't have any more stamps. I have to go to the post office and get some stamps.

Jerry is in a hurry. He has to be at the office by 8 o'clock.

2. The children are falling asleep. They must be very tired.

The lights are on. Lucy must be home.

3. Sign in a restaurant restroom: Employees must wash their hands before returning to work.

Road sign: Right lane must turn right.

CJ

As far as I know,and according to Grammar Books,both "must and have to" are used to talk about obligation.However,"must" most often talks about an obligation that depends on the person speaking.If you say "I must do something",it means you feel it is necessary."Have to" is generally used to talk about an obligation that comes from outside.I I say that "someone has to do something",it means that somebody wants it done or there's a rule or a law...etc.

1- I must stop smoking = (I want to;no one oblige me)

2- You have to do your homework = (teacher wants you to do it;maybe a student talking to his classmate)

3-If the teacher is speaking to you,she says: you must do your homework.

I think the examples that you gave : The children are falling asleep. They must be very tired.

The lights are on. Lucy must be home.For instance,the first example means that I'm certain that the children are tired,it has no relation with obligation.

Please let me know your point of view.

Windyjolt · Answer

Thank you.

Alex-93 · Answer

Like Ruslana said, "have to" is much softer. When you use "must" it's often compulsory by your parents or a superior, or even by a rule (law)

What about destroying that window over there ?

No!! I mustn't do that.

Alex

Everlastinghope · Answer

Here you're talking about "mustn't" which is different from "must,have to and haven't got to/don't have to".

Must = I must see a dentist because I have a toothache=it's a necessity.

Have to = I have to tidy my bedroom=maybe because my mom obliged me to.

mustn't = you mustn't smoke in the classroom = prohibition from a teacher.

Haven't to =I don't have to clean my room because my sister can do it= there's a lack of obligation,it's not necessary.

CalifJim · Answer

everlastinghopeI think the examples that you gave : The children are falling asleep. They must be very tired.

The lights are on. Lucy must be home.For instance,the first example means that I'm certain that the children are tired,it has no relation with obligation.

Please let me know your point of view.

Yes. This is true. The most typical use of must in American English has nothing to do with personal obligation to do something.

CJ

Must & Have to

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