-Generally, “have to” is more used than “must” but, they are both correct. They have different etymology: “must” comes from müssen, a German word and “have to” comes from Latin.
-However, in negative sentences they express different ideas: You mustn't tell John (Don't tell George) You don't have to tell John (Tell him if you like, but it is not necessary)
-Although the negative use of “must” is rarely used. “Mustn't” is replaced by “shouldn't”. To be more emphatic, “Can't” is used.
"You mustn't smoke here” Rare "You can't smoke here" More common "You shouldn't smoke here" More common
"You mustn't listen to other people's conversations". Rare "You shouldn't listen to other people's conversations". More common
-When is used in a context of necessity or obligation, “must” doesn’t have a past form. To refer to the past, you use “have to” (in the proper past form, of course).
I had to study by my own yesterday. Correct I must study by my own yesterday. Incorrect I must studied by my own yesterday. Incorrect
In other words, “had to” is used to express past obligation.
What's the difference between "must" and "have to"?
ReplyDeleteHi friend.
ReplyDelete-Generally, “have to” is more used than “must” but, they are both correct. They have different etymology: “must” comes from müssen, a German word and “have to” comes from Latin.
-However, in negative sentences they express different ideas:
You mustn't tell John (Don't tell George)
You don't have to tell John (Tell him if you like, but it is not necessary)
-Although the negative use of “must” is rarely used. “Mustn't” is replaced by “shouldn't”. To be more emphatic, “Can't” is used.
"You mustn't smoke here” Rare
"You can't smoke here" More common
"You shouldn't smoke here" More common
"You mustn't listen to other people's conversations". Rare
"You shouldn't listen to other people's conversations". More common
-When is used in a context of necessity or obligation, “must” doesn’t have a past form. To refer to the past, you use “have to” (in the proper past form, of course).
I had to study by my own yesterday. Correct
I must study by my own yesterday. Incorrect
I must studied by my own yesterday. Incorrect
In other words, “had to” is used to express past obligation.
If you have more doubts, ask.
Luis Monarres
HI
ReplyDeleteI HAVE A DOUBT. WHAT IS THE DIFERENCE BETWEEN "I HAVE" AND "I HAVE GOT". WHEN WE CAN USE EITHER.