Lesson 5 of 6
Modal Verbs: Should, Must, Have to, Might
Give advice, express obligation and talk about possibility like a native speaker.
Modal verbs change the tone of what you say. Using "must" where an American would say "should" or "have to" can make you sound bossy or overly formal. This lesson shows how they're really used in everyday American speech.
LearnThe key ideas
Modals in everyday speech
| Meaning | Natural choice | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Advice | should | You should try the pasta. |
| Rule or obligation | have to / gotta | I have to work Saturday. I gotta go. |
| Strong personal feeling | must (rare in speech) | You must be tired! (deduction) |
| Possibility | might / may / could | It might rain later. |
| Not necessary | don't have to | You don't have to come. |
| Not allowed | can't | You can't park here. |
Must vs have to
In American speech, "must" is mostly used for logical deductions ("You must be Elina's brother") and on signs or rules. For everyday obligations, Americans say "have to" or "gotta": "I have to pick up my kids."
Careful: "mustn't" means it's forbidden, but "don't have to" means it isn't necessary. These are very different.
ListenListen and repeat
- You should see a doctor.Friendly advice.
- I have to finish this by Friday.Obligation.
- She must be really busy.Deduction: I'm almost sure.
- You don't have to pay, it's free.Not necessary.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- You should totally check out that restaurant.
- Sorry, I gotta run, I have to pick up my sister.
- It might be a little late, but I'll be there.
CheckQuick quiz
1. Friendly advice:
2. "You don't have to come" means:
3. A light is on in the house. "Someone ___ be home."
PracticeToday's speaking task
Give a friend (or your recorder) advice about learning English using should, have to, don't have to and might.