Must, have to, should (obligation, prohibition, advice)

Use 'must' and 'have to' to express obligation in English. They are very similar but:

'have to' is more common for external, general obligations: 'You have to fasten your seat belt on a plane'

'must' is more common for specific or personal obligations: 'I must study harder if I want to pass the test'

In the past we use 'had to' for obligations: 'She had to wear a uniform when she worked for British Airways'

Use 'don´t have to' to say there's no obligation or something is not necessary:

'You don´t have to get up early tomorrow. It's Saturday'

Use 'mustn't', 'can't' or 'not be allowed to', to express prohibition in English:

'You´re not allowed to buy alcoholic drinks after 10:00'

Use 'should', 'shouldn't' or 'ought to' 'ought not to' to give your opinion or some advice:

'She should be more careful when she drives. She´s had to accidents in one week!'

For strong recommendations you can also use 'must', 'have to': 'Los Miserables is fantastic. You must see it'

Activity 1: Choose the correct answer

Activity 2: Complete the sentences with the words provided.

Activity 3: Should or must?

Activity 4: Mustn't or don´t have to?

Activity 5: Mustn't or don´t have to?

INTERMEDIATE 1