Modal verbs

Have to vs. must

Have to and must can be used to talk about obligation/necessity.

  • You have to wear a suit.
  • I must phone my aunt.

The negative don't have to means it's not necessary. The negative mustn't means it's prohibited.

  • I don't have to work tomorrow. (= It isn't necessary.)
  • You mustn't be late. (= It's prohibited.)