Must, Mustn’t, Have to, don’t have to
Learn how to use have to, don’t have to, must, and mustn’t in English. Clear A2 grammar explanation, examples, and a free online test!
Exercises & Summary
Must, Mustn’t, Have to, Don’t Have to
These modal verbs help you say rules, duties, and things that aren’t necessary at the A2 level. They look alike, but they mean different things. Here is a simple guide:
Must
We use must to talk about something that is very important or necessary.
It often expresses a strong rule or personal obligation.
Examples:
- You must wear a seatbelt.
- I must finish my homework today.
Mustn’t
We use mustn’t to talk about things that are not allowed.
It expresses prohibition.
Examples:
- You mustn’t smoke here.
- Students mustn’t use phones in class.
Have to
We use have to for general obligations or rules from outside (school, work, law).
It is often a routine or something decided by someone else.
Examples:
- I have to go to work at 8.
- We have to wear uniforms at school.
Don’t Have to
We use don’t have to to show that something is not necessary.
You can do it if you want, but it is not required.
Examples:
- You don’t have to come early.
- She doesn’t have to cook tonight.
Quick Summary
- Must = necessary
- Mustn’t = not allowed
- Have to = obligation (external rule)
- Don’t have to = not necessary
This simple structure helps learners understand rules, routines, and permissions in everyday English.