4 phrases · A1 · A2 · B1

Saying what you have to do in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • I need to {VERB}

    A1

    Say what is necessary for you.

    मुझे ___ करना ज़रूरी है।

    • I need to finish this before six.
    • I need to talk to you about something.
    • I need to book the tickets today.

    As a question: What do you need to do first?

    In the negative: I don't need to be there in person.

    Anywhere · say it as: I need to / finish this · used at work, everyday life

  • I have to {VERB}

    A1

    Say what you are obliged to do, usually because somebody else decided.

    मुझे ___ करना पड़ेगा।

    • I have to leave by six.
    • I have to submit the report today.
    • I have to be in the office on Saturday.

    As a question: Do you have to work on weekends?

    In the negative: I don't have to come in tomorrow.

    Anywhere · say it as: I have to / leave by six · used at work, college

  • I must {VERB}

    A2

    Say something is necessary — strongly, and from you.

    मुझे ___ करना ही होगा।

    • I must finish this today.
    • I must call the bank.
    • I must leave by five.

    Anywhere · say it as: I must / finish this today · used at work, everyday life

  • I'm supposed to {VERB}

    B1

    Say what is expected of you — often when it is not happening.

    मुझे ___ करना चाहिए था / होता है।

    • I'm supposed to submit it today.
    • I'm supposed to be there at nine.
    • I'm supposed to check with my manager first.

    Anywhere · say it as: I'm supposed to / submit it today · used at work, college

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

I have to going now.

I have to go now.

After "have to", the verb stays in its plain form.

I must to finish this today.

I must finish this today.

After "must", the verb never takes "to".

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

Reading it is not the same as saying it.

A phrase you have read is not a phrase you can reach for. CoCap makes you produce it, in a conversation, and corrects what comes out.

Practise these out loud →

CoCap · Free English practice for India · About · Contact