MODALS OF NECESSITY
(must, have to, have got to)

Modals of necessity are used to show that something is necessary.

We use modals together with main verbs: modal + verb (base form). With have to and have got to the ‘to’ is considered part of the modal.

Must is the strongest modal of necessity. It is most often used in writing. It is not commonly used in questions.

They must check their bags before boarding the plane.

You must not smoke here.

Have to is the most commonly used modal of necessity. It can be used for questions. Have (have / has) changes form depending on the subject in affirmative sentences. Do is necessary for questions and negative sentences.

He has to go to work tomorrow.

They have to leave early on Sunday.

She doesn’t have to stay late.

Do you have to get a new phone soon?

Have got to is used most often in informal speech. It is not commonly used in negative sentences. Have changes form depending on the subject in affirmative sentences.

We have got to get a new refrigerator.

He has got to buy some new clothes.

We only use had to when talking about the past. We don’t use have got to or must to talk about the past. When talking about the past have to becomes had to.

He had to work all night last night to finish the project.


Modals of necessity questions
(must, have to, have got to)

  1. What are some things you have to do when you get home?
  2. What are some things you must do or must not do when you go to the airport?
  3. What do students have to do if they want to improve their English?
  4. What are some unusual or harsh laws in your country?
  5. Which types of workers have to work the hardest?
  6. What are some things you must or must not do at your job or university?
  7. Is there anywhere you have to go after class?
  8. What does a person have to do to become successful?
  9. What are some things you have to do but don’t want to?
  10. What must a person do to be happy?
  11. Who is someone you must listen to?
  12. What are some interesting customs in your country that people have to follow?
  13. Where must you go even though you don’t want to?
  14. How many hours of sleep do you have to get to function normally?
  15. Is there anything that you have to eat at least once a week?
  16. What are two things your parents said you must do?
  17. What are some things all humans have to work together to accomplish?