Have To vs Must
There is a slight difference between have to and must though they both seem to convey the same meaning. In fact, it can be said that must and have to are two different words that give different senses and not the same meaning. Must is known as a modal verb in the English language while have to is a verb. Have to is a variation of the verb have. If we look at the origins of the two verbs must and have to, must has its origin in the Old English verb mōste while have has its origin in the Old English word habban.
What does Have To mean?
The expression have to is used to indicate the sense of ‘necessity’ as in the sentences given below.
You have to drink sufficient water on a daily basis.
I have to work for three hours a day to achieve the results.
In both the sentences given above, you can see that the word have to is used in the sense of ‘necessity’. In the first sentence, you can see that the meaning of the sentence would be ‘it is necessary that you drink sufficient water on a daily basis to be healthy’. In the second sentence, the meaning would be ‘it is necessary that I should work for three hours a day to achieve the desired results’. At certain instances, have to can mean ‘be strongly recommended to do something.’ Observe the following sentence.
If you think that book is good, you have to try this new one.
In this sentence, the speaker is telling the person addressed as you to read a new book. It is because the speaker thinks you will be more than happy to read the new one as the person you is already happy with the book he/she has finished reading. The speaker is recommending his/her friend to try the new book.
What does Must mean?
On the other hand, the word must is used to indicate the sense of ‘compulsion’ as in the sentences given below.
You must be in time to get the job.
She must go today to meet him.
In both the sentences given above, you can see that the word must is used in the sense of ‘compulsion’. In the first sentence, you can see that the meaning of the sentence would be ‘it is compulsory that you should be in time to get the job’. On the other hand, it is understood that ‘if you are late you will not get the job’. In the second sentence, the meaning would be ‘it is compulsory that she should go today itself to meet him.’ On the other hand, it is understood that ‘if she does not go today to meet him, her purpose will not be served’.
Moreover, must is also used to ‘express an opinion about something that is logically very likely.’ Look at the following examples.
She did not come to the ball. There must be something wrong.
You are not eating enough. You must be very tired.
What is the difference between Have To and Must?
• The expression have to is used to indicate the sense of ‘necessity.’
• On the other hand, the word must is used to indicate the sense of ‘compulsion.’
• At certain instances, have to can mean ‘be strongly recommended to do something.’
• Moreover, must is also used to ‘express an opinion about something that is logically very likely.’
Images Courtesy:
- Must example by Lorena (CC BY 2.5 )