Modals of necessity: have to, need to, must

Modals of necessity: have to, need to, must

NEL - LEVEL 6

​Read the sentences below:

I would like to learn computer programming.

I have to learn computer programming​.

​How are these sentences different in meaning?

​How are these sentences different in meaning?

I would like to learn computer programming.

​(talks about a wish)

I have to learn computer programming​.

​(talks about a necessity)

​

​Modals of necessity: have to, need to, must

have to: ter que

need to: precisar (de)

​must: deve

-> ​Use them to say something is necessary.

​Modals of necessity: have to, need to, must

After have to / need to / ​must use the base form of the verb.

​She has to attend the meeting tomorrow.

​

​

​Modals of necessity: have to, need to, must

don't/didn't have to: não ter que

don't/didn't need to: não precisar (de)

​must not / mustn't: não deve

-> ​Use them to say something is not necessary.

​Tips

Especially in American English, must is not used often in everyday speech. In most cases, have to is used:

I have to be on time for class today.

Must, when used at all, is used in formal written rules, or only for strong emphasis:

Students must pay their fees by June 25.

​There's no change in third person when must is used.

​Examples

​Note

​Pay attention on the sentences when you use the modals, especially when you notice if it's in the present or past.

​

​She didn't have to do the dishes yesterday.

(the sentence is in the past because 'yesterday' appears there)

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

You _____ (not have to) buy us a gift, but it was very nice of you.

• not has to

• hasn't to

• didn't have to

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

He _____ (need to) call the office in San Francisco right away.

• need to

• needs to

• need

• don't needs to

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

The college _____ (must) reply within ten days.

• must

• musts

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

How much homework ____ you ____ do last night? (have to)

• do / have to

• have / to

• did / have to

• are / have to

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

She ______ (not need to) make a decision now.

• doesn’t need to

• didn't need to

• don’t need to

• not needs to

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in parentheses ( ).

_____ we _____ (have to) have a degree to get a job at that company?

• Did / have to

• Do / have to

• Are / have to