Must, Mustn't and Have To

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A2 | Grammar | 10 min

Rules and signs: Modals of Obligation & Prohibition

Instructions: Read the 4 grammar rules below carefully before you do the exercises.

1. must + base verb

Use for rules you must follow (rules/obligations).

Example: You must wear a cap.

2. mustn't + base verb

Use for things that are not allowed (forbidden/prohibited).

Example: You mustn't run.

3. have to / has to + base verb

Use for things you need to do because of the situation or the law.

Example: She has to pay.

4. don't have to + base verb

Not required: you do not need to do it if you do not want to (not necessary).

Example: You don't have to book.

A bunny lifeguard reminds a kitten to walk while another kitten puts on a swim cap. — Pool rule: walk slowly. Even when you spot your friends.
APIE · AI doodle

Swimming Pool Rules

Fill in the blanks with the correct word (must, have to, mustn't, don't have to, has to) to complete the text.

Welcome to City Pool! Read these rules before you enter. Showers are required, so visitors ____ shower before swimming. Running is forbidden; you ____ run. Each child under ten ____ swim with an adult; this is required. Free rings are available, so you ____ bring one. Caps are required; swimmers ____ wear them. Finally, you ____ eat here; food is forbidden.

Question 1: Look at the sign: [NO SMOKING]. What does it mean?

____ a. You must smoke outside only. ____ b. You mustn't smoke in this area. ____ c. You don't have to smoke here.

Question 2: Look at the hospital sign: [SILENCE: DO NOT MAKE NOISE]. What does it mean?

____ a. You must be quiet in the hospital. ____ b. You mustn't be quiet in the hospital. ____ c. You don't have to be quiet in the hospital.

Question 3: At airport security, an officer says: "You ___ take off your shoes."

____ a. has to ____ b. haven't to ____ c. have to

Question 4: Museum entrance: [FREE ENTRY TODAY]. Choose the sentence that explains this sign:

____ a. You mustn't pay any money today. ____ b. You don't have to pay for a ticket today. ____ c. You have to pay double price today.

Question 5: Choose the CORRECT sentence:

____ a. You must wear a helmet on a motorbike. ____ b. You must to wear a helmet on a motorbike. ____ c. You must wearing a helmet on a motorbike.

Question 6: Choose the CORRECT sentence:

____ a. He have to show his ticket at the gate. ____ b. He don't have to show his ticket at the gate. ____ c. He has to show his ticket at the gate.

Rules and signs: Modals of Obligation & Prohibition

1. must + base verb

2. mustn't + base verb

3. have to / has to + base verb

4. don't have to + base verb

Swimming Pool Rules

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