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JohnKeats Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
MUST OR HAVE TO?
When talking about school rules is it better to use MUST or HAVE TO?
For example:
Students must do their homework. / Students have to do their homework.
Students must be on time. / Students have to be on time.
Students must turn off their mobiles. / Students have to turn off their mobile.
Could you help me, please?
And what about speaking in the first person?
Should I use MUST or HAVE TO?
I must wear a uniform or I have to wear a uniform?
Thanks a lot.
JK
For example:
Students must do their homework. / Students have to do their homework.
Students must be on time. / Students have to be on time.
Students must turn off their mobiles. / Students have to turn off their mobile.
Could you help me, please?
And what about speaking in the first person?
Should I use MUST or HAVE TO?
I must wear a uniform or I have to wear a uniform?
Thanks a lot.
JK
Top answer
When talking about school rules is it better to use MUST or HAVE TO? -- The prescribed difference is that 'must' refers to an inner command while 'have to' refers to an external authority. However, 'had to' is the past form of both 'have to' and 'must', and many native speakers pay little attention to the prescribed difference.
- When talking about school rules is it better to use MUST or HAVE TO?
- -- The prescribed difference is that 'must' refers to an inner command while 'have to' refers to an external authority.
- However, 'had to' is the past form of both 'have to' and 'must', and many native speakers pay little attention to the prescribed difference.
- They often use 'must' for a formal or more emphatic form of 'have to'.
- / Students must turn off their mobiles .
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8 Answers
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When talking about school rules is it better to use MUST or HAVE TO?-- The prescribed difference is that 'must' refers to an inner command while 'have to' refers to an external authority. However, 'had to' is the past form of both 'have to' and 'must', and many native speakers pay little attention to the prescribed difference. They often use 'must' for a formal or more emphatic form of 'h
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They both mean about the same, but to me, must, being shorter, comes across as a bit stronger, more formal and emphatic.
Another common form of a dress code rule is "required" in the passive voice.
Students are required to wear uniforms.
Have to is often used in questions, especially by kids who are protesting:
Mom: Johnny, it's time to go to bed.
Another common form of a dress code rule is "required" in the passive voice.
Students are required to wear uniforms.
Have to is often used in questions, especially by kids who are protesting:
Mom: Johnny, it's time to go to bed.
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JohnKeatsschool rulesIn American English regulations are much more likely to be phrased with 'must'.
Employees must wash their hands after using the restroom.
Right lane must exit.
CJ
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CalifJimIn American English regulations are much more likely to be phrased with 'must'. Employees must wash their hands after using the restroom. Right lane must exit. CJ
I agree and, and the reason is that "must" is more formal and sounds stricter.
Some people say that "must" is for others, while "have to" is used for oneself. But I don't think that is valid
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Thanks a lot to all of you.
I’d like to ask another question. Situation:
Student: I’m sorry I didn’t do my homework, Mr Brown.
Teacher (1): You must do it by next Monday or I’ll give you a bad mark.
Teacher (2): I’m afraid you have to do it by next Monday. You know, there’s a class test on Tuesday.
I was wondering if the choice between MUST and HAVE TO
I’d like to ask another question. Situation:
Student: I’m sorry I didn’t do my homework, Mr Brown.
Teacher (1): You must do it by next Monday or I’ll give you a bad mark.
Teacher (2): I’m afraid you have to do it by next Monday. You know, there’s a class test on Tuesday.
I was wondering if the choice between MUST and HAVE TO
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No, it is not 'have to' vs 'must' that makes the difference; it is 'I'm afraid that'.
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Thanks Mister Micawber.
So, I could say both I'm afraid YOU MUST and YOU MUST. Would the former denote a more friendly teacher and the latter a stricter one?
Could you please give further examples?
JK
So, I could say both I'm afraid YOU MUST and YOU MUST. Would the former denote a more friendly teacher and the latter a stricter one?
Could you please give further examples?
JK
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So, I could say both I'm afraid YOU MUST and YOU MUST. Would the former denote a more friendly teacher and the latter a stricter one?-- A more friendly comment. I cannot assure the friendliness of the teacher herself.
Could you please give further examples?-- There are various common ameliorating phrases: 'Sorry but', 'unfortunately', 'I hate to tell you this, but', etc.
Could you please give further examples?-- There are various common ameliorating phrases: 'Sorry but', 'unfortunately', 'I hate to tell you this, but', etc.
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