Michaelll
Banned
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2022
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Russian
- Home Country
- Belarus
- Current Location
- Belarus
As Raymond Murphy says 'must' is very similar to 'have to' (in affirmative sentences). But they're completely different in negative sentences.
(affirmative)
I think I have to call her. (= I think I must call her)
I think I must call her. (= I think I have to call her)
(negative)
You don't have to call her. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want)
You must not call her. (= you're obliged not to do that)
So I'd like to ask, would B's reply with must work? Or should it be the one with 'don't have to' even as a response to "I must call her"?
A: I haven't spoken to Kate for ages. I have to call her.
B: No, you don't have to. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want)
A: I haven't spoken to Kate for ages. I must call her.
B: No, you must not. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want) (?)
B: No, you don't have to. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want) (?)
In other words, is "No, you don't have to ..." only a response to "I have to ...", or could it also be a response you "I must ..."?
(affirmative)
I think I have to call her. (= I think I must call her)
I think I must call her. (= I think I have to call her)
(negative)
You don't have to call her. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want)
You must not call her. (= you're obliged not to do that)
So I'd like to ask, would B's reply with must work? Or should it be the one with 'don't have to' even as a response to "I must call her"?
A: I haven't spoken to Kate for ages. I have to call her.
B: No, you don't have to. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want)
A: I haven't spoken to Kate for ages. I must call her.
B: No, you must not. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want) (?)
B: No, you don't have to. (= you don't need to do it, but you can if you want) (?)
In other words, is "No, you don't have to ..." only a response to "I have to ...", or could it also be a response you "I must ..."?