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1. The use of must, must not (mustn't) and need not (needn't)

The modals must, must not and need not have the same form regardless the

subject. There is no ending with he/she/it.

► If you want to say the sth. is unnecessary, use need not, not must not.
(The negation of must means not allowed to.)

I must play football. = I have to play football. *

I need not play football. = I do not need to play football. = I do not have to play

football.

I must not play football. = I am not allowed to play football.

You can use must only with Simple Present. If you want to use it with other tenses,
you need the form have to. This form is not the same regardless the subject. Look
at the following table.

Modal Substitutes

I must play football. * I have to play football. *

I do not need to play football.

I need not play football.

I do not have to play football.

I must not play football. I am not allowed to play football.

The modal must can be used in the Simple Present only, so use the

substitute have to with other tenses. The form have to has the same form
regardless the subject.
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Substitutes in the Simple

Pronouns Modal
Present

I, we, you,
I must play football. * I have to play football. *
they

he, she, it He must play football. * He has to play football. *

* see also point 3 below

2. Sentences and questions with have to

2.1. have to in the Simple Present

Affirmative
Pronouns Negative sentences Questions
sentences

I, we, you, I have to get I do not have to get Do I have to get

they up early. up early. up early?

She has
She does not have Does she have
he, she, it to get
to get up early. to get up early?
up early.

2.2. had to in the Simple Past

Affirmative Negative
Pronouns Questions
sentences sentences

I, he, she, it, I had to get I did not have Did I have

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we, you, they up early. to get up early. to get up early?

2.3. Affirmative sentences with must

Modal Substitute Tense

I must play football. * I have to play football. * Simple Present

not possible I had to play football. Simple Past

not possible I will have to play football. will-future

* see also point 3 below

2.4. Negations with must not, mustn't

Modal Substitute Tense

I am not allowed Simple
I must not play football.
to play football. Present

I was not allowed
not possible Simple Past
to play football.

I will not be allowed
not possible will-future
to play football.
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2.5. Negations with need not, needn't, don't need, don't have to

Modal Substitute Tense

I need not play football.

I do not have Simple
to play football. Present
I do not need
to play football.

not possible

I did not have
Simple Past
to play football.
I did not need
to play football.

not possible

I will not have
will-future
to play football.
I will not need
to play football.

2.6. Questions with need and have to

Modal Substitute Tense

Must he play football?
Does he have Simple
to play football? Present
Does he need to play football?
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Modal Substitute Tense

The modal must is not used in the

Simple Past.
Did he have
Simple Past
to play football?

Did he need to play football?

The modal must is not used in the

will-future.
Will he have
will-future
to play football?

Will he need to play football?

The form need is not used as a modal, this is a main verb. This form cannot be
put before another verb.

I needn't sing. (Here needn't is a modal. The main verb is sing.)

We need a new computer. (Here need is a main verb).

I need sing. (This sentence is wrong.)

3. must or have to in the Simple Present

It is not always correct to substitute have to for must in the Simple Present.

Use the modal must when the obligation comes from the speaker.

 I must go to New York. I would like to see my sister.

 You must stop smoking.

Use the modal must in written orders or instructions.

 You must log in to read your messages.

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Use the substitute form have to when there is an external obligation e.g. timetable,
weather or administration.

 Due to a snow storm the pilot has to land in Vancouver.

 My doctor says I have to stop smoking.

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FAST TEST
I. Fill in the blanks with must, mustn't, have / has (not) , needn't.

1. You ---- bring your tracksuits for your PE (Physical Education) classes.

2. The monitors ---- to be cleaned before leaving every night. That's number 1 rule.

3. Those who finish their exam ---- start making noise.

4. The workbooks ---- be brought to the class unless I tell you to bring them.

5. Students ---- to pay for the transportation as the university has its own bus
system.

6. If a student breaks a school rule, s/he ---- to stay at school after hours to meet
with the principle.

7. Students ---- come to class late.

8. You ---- hand in your assignment before the deadline.

9. This is a private school, so the students ---- to wear their uniforms at all times.

10. Students ---- stay at school during lunch break, they can go out.
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1. must
2. have
3. mustn't
4. needn't
5. don't have
6. has
7. mustn't
8. must
9. have

10. needn't