Ch 4 · Lesson 16English · Chapter 4 · Lesson 16 · Grammar primer
Mustn't or don't have to?
You mustn't open it (do not do it) and you don't have to come (you can choose): they look alike and say very different things.
The short version
Mustn't means do not; don't have to means you choose
.
Why?Hide
They look like a pair, but they say different things. Mustn't means do not do it: it is not allowed, or a very bad idea. Don't have to means it is not necessary, so you can choose. Don't need to means the same as don't have to.
Mustn't and don't have to
These two look alike, but they say very different things.
| Words | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| : | . | |
| : | . |
Look at the same verb with both:
Tom.(do not tell him: it is a secret)Tom.(you can tell him if you want)
Don't need to means the same as don't have to:
. (you can go). In British English you will also hear needn't: You
needn't wait.
Going further: Must and have to: it is necessary and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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