Must vs Have to Exercises
A2-B1 Level
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The negative forms are very different and often confuse learners: mustn't means "it is prohibited" — you are not allowed to do it: "You must not smoke here." Don't have to means "it is not necessary" — you can do it if you want, but it is not required: "You don't have to come if you're busy." This difference between prohibition (mustn't) and lack of obligation (don't have to) is one of the most tested grammar points in English exams. Another key difference: "must" has no past form, so we use "had to" for past obligation: "I had to work late yesterday."
Quick Rule
must + base verb (internal obligation) | have to + base verb (external obligation)
- 1.You must try this cake — it's delicious! (strong recommendation)
- 2.I have to finish this report by Friday. (work deadline)
- 3.Students must not use their phones in the exam. (prohibition)
- 4.You don't have to bring anything — we have everything. (no obligation)
- 5.Do I have to pay for parking here? (asking about external rules)
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with 'must', 'mustn't', 'have to', or 'don't have to'. Pay attention to the difference between obligation and prohibition. Complete the sentence with must, mustn't, have to, or don't have to.
You _____ wear a helmet when you ride a bike. It's the law in this city.
You _____ (don't have to / mustn't) smoke in the hospital. It's not allowed.
I _____ finish this work today. My boss gave me a deadline.
You _____ (don't have to / mustn't) bring anything to the party. We have plenty of food.
She _____ take medicine every day. Her doctor told her to do this.
We _____ (mustn't / don't have to) forget to lock the door when we leave. It's very dangerous.
I _____ wear a uniform at my school. It's a school rule for all students.
You _____ (mustn't / don't have to) pay for parking on Sundays. It's free!
Children _____ go to school until age 16. Education is required by law here.
You _____ (mustn't / don't have to) touch the paintings in the museum. It's against the rules.
I _____ see a dentist soon. My tooth really hurts!
We _____ (don't have to / mustn't) wake up early tomorrow. It's Saturday and we can sleep late.
You _____ (don't have to / mustn't) use your phone during the exam. It's forbidden.
She _____ study hard if she wants to pass the test. I really think it's important!
I _____ get up at 6 AM every day because my job starts at 7 AM.
You _____ (don't have to / mustn't) be late for class. The teacher gets angry.
We _____ (mustn't / don't have to) rush. We have plenty of time before the film starts.
You _____ be quiet in the library. I'm trying to study and your talking is bothering me!
I _____ (mustn't / don't have to) eat meat. I'm a vegetarian by choice.
Students _____ (mustn't / don't have to) run in the hallways. It's dangerous.
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