ESL BLUE(s)   Troubleshooting must / have to    

Here are some of the most common errors using must, have to , preceded by their correct form:

Correct FormCommon Errors
You must get up early on the weekend.
You have to get up early on the weekend.
You must  to  get up early on the weekend.
Must, like other modal verbs (may, should, can, etc), is followed by the verb alone (without 'to').

Compare:

  • I may come to the party.
  • I can tell you tomorrow.
  • I must work until 7 p.m.
  • You have to / must get up early during the week.
    (= It's an obligation.)
    You don't have to get up early on the weekend.
    (= It's not an obligation.)
    You must get up early during the week but you  mustn't  get up early on the weekend.
    Must and have to can both express the idea of obligation but they don't have the same meaning in the negative.
    You mustn't do that means Don't do that.

  • Don't make any noise. You mustn't wake up the kids.
  • You had to get up early last Sunday. You must get up early last Sunday.
    The past tense of both have to and must (obligation) is had to
    You will have to get up early next Sunday too. You will must get up early next Sunday too.
    Use have to, not must after 'will,' 'may,' 'should' etc.

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