MUST / HAVE TO/ NEED TO
🔹 MUST = I say it’s important! ✅ Example:
You must study for the test.
● We use must when the speaker (= I think it's very important!)
thinks something is important.
● It’s often used for strong advice or
rules (from the speaker).
🔹 HAVE TO = The rule says so! ✅ Example:
You have to wear a seatbelt in the car.
● We use have to when the rule, law, (= It’s the law!)
or situation makes it necessary.
● Not the speaker’s opinion – it comes
from outside.
🔹 NEED TO = It’s necessary to do ✅ Example:
You need to eat breakfast.
it.
(= It’s important for your body.)
● We use need to when something is
necessary for a reason (health, time,
logic).
● It's not a strong rule, but it’s important.
✏️ Practice Exercises
A. Choose the correct option:
1. You ___ wear a uniform at school.
a) must
b) have to
c) need to
2. You ___ drink water every day.
a) must
b) have to
c) need to
3. I ___ finish this homework. The teacher said so.
a) must
b) have to
c) need to
4. She ___ clean her room. Her mom is very angry!
a) must
b) have to
c) need to
5. You ___ see this movie! It’s so good!
a) must
b) have to
c) need to
B. Complete with must, have to, or need to
1. I ______ go to the dentist. My tooth hurts.
2. We ______ stop talking. The teacher is angry.
3. She ______ wear a mask in the hospital.
4. They ______ save money for their trip.
5. You ______ be careful with that dog. It’s dangerous.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Complete with the correct modal: must,
have to, or need to
Use each one only once per sentence. Choose based on who gives the obligation
or why it’s necessary.
1. It’s raining. We __________ take an umbrella.
2. I __________ go to school at 8. It's the rule.
3. You __________ eat something. You look tired.
4. You __________ be quiet in the library. (The librarian says so!)
5. We __________ clean the kitchen. It’s very dirty.
6. I __________ finish my homework. My teacher will check it.
7. They __________ call the doctor. The baby is sick.
8. You __________ touch that! It's dangerous!
✏️ Exercise 2 – Choose the sentence that means the
same
I must call my mom.
A. I have to call my mom.
B. I don’t need to call my mom.
She doesn’t have to cook dinner.
A. She mustn’t cook dinner.
B. She needn’t cook dinner.
I don’t have to go to the office today.
A. I mustn’t go to the office today.
B. I needn’t go to the office today.
You mustn’t be late.
A. You don’t have to be late.
B. You are not allowed to be late.
They need to bring their passports.
A. They must bring their passports.
B. They don’t have to bring their passports.
She must study tonight.
A. She needs to study tonight.
B. She doesn’t have to study tonight.
We don’t have to clean the house today.
A. We mustn’t clean the house today.
B. We needn’t clean the house today.
You have to wear a seatbelt.
A. You must wear a seatbelt.
B. You don’t need to wear a seatbelt.
He mustn’t eat peanuts. He’s allergic.
A. He doesn’t need to eat peanuts.
B. He is not allowed to eat peanuts.
I need to get up early tomorrow.
A. I have to get up early tomorrow.
B. I don’t have to get up early tomorrow.
