Time to Move
Have to / Need to / Must - Modals of Obligation
ESL students can hear real people speaking natural English using modals of obligation. Recommended study plan:
- Watch the video
- Take the quiz
- Listen again and read the script
- Learn the grammar with the notes
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Meg |
Todd |
Todd: So Meg, are you busy this weekend?
Meg: Yes, I'm so busy because I'm moving.
Todd: Oh, no.
Meg: Yeah, there's a lot of work to do.
Todd: What do you have to do?
Meg: First, I have to prepare my apartment, so I need to pack all of my things.
Todd: That's not fun.
Meg: No, it takes a long time.
Todd: Do you need help?
Meg: Yeah, do you have time to help me?
Todd: I can help you on Sunday.
Meg: Ooh, are you busy on Saturday?
Todd: Yeah, on Saturday I have to work. I have to teach two classes, and then after I teach, I have to grade papers. Oh, it sounds like you're really busy too. Plus, I have to meet my friends that evening.
Meg: Oh, what will you do with your friends?
Todd: I'm helping my friend also. My friend has car problems, so I have to take him to the mechanic, but on Sunday I can help you.
Meg: OK, that would be great because on Sunday I have to take some trash to the dump, and I have to finish some paperwork at city hall to prepare for moving to a new country
Todd: Now, because you're moving, do you have to go to the post office?
Meg: I do have to go to the post office. I almost forgot. At the post office, I have to submit a form to say my new address.
Todd: Ah, that's good because I have to go to the post office, too.
Meg: Oh, really.
Todd: I have to send my mom's birthday gift to her.
Meg: When is your mom's birthday?
Todd: It was one month ago.
Meg: Ah, so you have to send it quickly.
Todd: Yes, I have to get on it.
Meg: OK, well, let's go together.
Todd: So, I'll see you Sunday. What time should I be here?
Meg: I have to go to city hall by three p.m., so can you come at two?
Todd: OK, but if you want to go to the dump, the dump closes at noon, so we have to leave early.
Meg: Ah, OK. Can you come at eleven?
Todd: Yes. OK, so I will see you at eleven o'clock.
Meg: Great, see you then.
Todd: Bye.
Meg: Bye.
Grammar Point
- You must hurry.
- You need to finish this.
- I have to go now.
- We need to pay the bill.
- You must take your medicine. (strong)
- You have to take your medicine. (not as strong)
- You need to take your medicine.
- You mustn't go there. / You can't go there.
- She mustn't trust him. / She can't trust him.
- They mustn't be late. / You can't be late.
- You mustn't lose this. / You can't lose this.
- You don't have to wear a tie. / It is OK not to wear a tie.
- You don't need to be there. / It is OK not to go.
- She doesn't have to pay me back. / She can keep her money.
- He doesn't need to ask her. / It is OK to not see her.
