they have to finish their homework tonight

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Future Perfect Tense With Examples, Rules, Usage

The Future Perfect Tense is used to talk about actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future. It is formed using the auxiliary verbs will have followed by the past participle of the main verb. This tense emphasizes the completion of an action before a particular time or event in the future.

For example:

• By next week, I will have finished the project.

In this sentence, the action of finishing the project will be completed before a future time (next week).

Structures of the Tense

Affirmative sentence structure.

Structure : Subject + will have + past participle

• She will have completed her degree by next year.
• By 10 p.m., they will have arrived at the airport.

Negative Sentence Structure

Structure : Subject + will not have + past participle

• He will not have finished the book by tomorrow.
• They won’t have left by the time we arrive.

Interrogative Sentence Structure

Structure :

Will + subject + have + past participle?

• Will you have completed the report by next week?
• Will she have arrived before the meeting starts?

Double Interrogative Sentence Structure

Wh-word + will + subject + have + past participle?

• What will you have achieved by the end of this year?
• How long will they have studied English by the time they graduate?

Subject-Verb Agreement

In the Future Perfect Tense , the auxiliary verbs will have are used for all subjects (singular and plural). The past participle of the verb remains the same regardless of the subject.

• I will have traveled to five countries by the end of the year.
• They will have learned Spanish by next summer.

Time Expressions

Time expressions are crucial in the Future Perfect Tense because they indicate when the action will be completed. Here are some common time expressions:

Adverb Placement in Future Perfect Tense

Adverbs such as already , just , and never are usually placed between will and have .

• She will already have finished the task when you arrive.
• They will never have completed the project by the deadline.

Uses of the Future Perfect Tense

• To express actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future :
• By 2025, we will have built 50 new schools.
• To show the result of an action by a certain time in the future :
• I will have saved enough money by the end of this year to buy a car.
• To describe expectations or assumptions about something in the future :
• She will have finished her homework by now.
• To indicate an action completed before another future event :
• They will have eaten dinner before we arrive.

Examples of the Future Perfect Tense in Use

Here are 10 examples showing how the Future Perfect Tense is used in different contexts:

• By 8 p.m., they will have finished watching the movie.
• We will have painted the house by next weekend.
• She will have studied English for five years by the time she moves abroad.
• You will have left by the time I get home.
• I will have worked here for ten years by next month.
• He will have driven 500 miles by the time the sun sets.
• They will have moved to their new house by next Monday.
• The team will have practiced hard by the time the competition starts.
• By this time tomorrow, we will have arrived at our destination.
• She will have written her first novel by the end of the year.

Common Mistakes with the Future Perfect Tense

When learning the Future Perfect Tense , students often make some common mistakes. Let’s highlight these errors and provide the correct usage.

• Using the wrong tense for future events :
• ❌ By next week, I will finished the course.
• ✅ By next week, I will have finished the course.
• Confusing the Future Perfect with other future tenses :
• ❌ They will be finished the work by tomorrow.
• ✅ They will have finished the work by tomorrow.
• Forgetting the auxiliary verb “have” :
• ❌ We will finished by noon.
• ✅ We will have finished by noon.
• Incorrect placement of adverbs :
• ❌ They will have never completed the project by the deadline.
• ✅ They will never have completed the project by the deadline.

Future Perfect Tense Chart

Free Grammar and Vocabulary Worksheets Resources

• Worksheet Tenses
• English Worksheets
• Action Verbs Worksheets
• Future Perfect Tense Worksheets
• Future Perfect Continuous Worksheets
• Present Tenses With Examples
• Present Perfect Tense With Examples
• Time Expressions in English
• Future Perfect Tense With Examples

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Home » Future Perfect Tense | Structure, Rules, Uses and Examples

Future Perfect Tense | Structure, Rules, Uses and Examples

The future perfect tense is used to express actions that will be completed at some point in the future before another specified time or event. The structure is simple: it uses the auxiliary verb “will have” followed by the past participle of the main verb. This tense allows us to discuss actions or events that will be finished before a certain moment in the future.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Future Perfect Tense

The future perfect tense combines the idea of completion with a future time frame. It’s useful when we want to talk about something that will be done before a specific point in time in the future.

• By 8 PM, I will have finished my homework.

In this sentence, “I will have finished” indicates the action of completing the homework, and “by 8 PM” tells us the specific future point by which the action will be done.

In every future perfect tense sentence, there are two points in time:

• The action that will be completed.
• A future time that serves as the reference point.

Structure of the Future Perfect Tense

Positive form.

The positive form is used to indicate an action that will be completed in the future. It’s constructed using:

• Subject + will have + past participle of the verb

For example:

• She will have graduated by next year.
• They will have completed the project by the deadline.

In both sentences, the future perfect tense emphasizes that the action will be finished before the specified time.

Negative Form

The negative form is created by adding “not” after “will,” forming:

• Subject + will not (won’t) have + past participle

This is used to show that an action will not be completed by a specific future time.

• She won’t have finished the report by tomorrow.
• They will not have started the project before Monday.

These sentences express the lack of completion by a certain future point.

Interrogative Form

To ask questions in the future perfect tense, you invert the subject and “will”:

• Will + subject + have + past participle?
• Will you have finished the assignment by Friday?
• Will he have arrived by then?

This structure allows you to ask whether something will be completed by a certain time in the future.

Time Words Used with Future Perfect Tense

Certain time expressions help to clarify when the action will be completed:

• By the time
• By tomorrow
• By next week/month/year
• In a few hours/days

These time markers give the sentence a clear reference point for when the action will be finished.

• By the time she arrives, I will have cleaned the house.
• They will have finished their homework by tomorrow evening.

Uses of Future Perfect Tense

The future perfect tense is used in a variety of situations:

• Expressing Completed Actions : It’s useful for talking about actions that will be finished before a specific time. Example: By next week, we will have completed the project.
• Deadlines and Achievements : It’s commonly used to talk about meeting deadlines or accomplishing goals. Example: She will have graduated by the end of the year.
• Predictions : The tense is often used for making predictions about what will have happened by a certain time. Example: By midnight, the storm will have passed.

Rules of the Future Perfect Tense

• Formation : Combine “will” with “have” and the past participle of the verb. Example: They will have finished the work by 6 PM.
• Subject-Verb Agreement : “Have” remains constant regardless of the subject. Example: I will have arrived and They will have arrived .
• Negation : Add “not” after “will” to make a sentence negative. Example: He will not have finished by then.
• Questions : Invert the subject and “will” to form questions. Example: Will she have completed the task by 10 AM?
• Time Expressions : Use phrases like “by the time,” “before,” or “by next week” to show when the action will be completed. Example: By tomorrow, they will have found a solution.
• Regular and Irregular Verbs : For regular verbs, add “-ed” to form the past participle (e.g., work → worked ). For irregular verbs, the past participle must be memorized (e.g., go → gone ).

Future Perfect Example Sentences

• I will have read the entire book by next week.
• She won’t have finished the project by noon.
• Will they have arrived by the time we leave?
• By the time you call, I will have gone to bed.
• The package will have arrived by Friday.

These sentences show how the future perfect tense highlights actions that will be completed by a particular time in the future.

• Past Perfect Tense
• Present Perfect Tense  
• All 12 Tenses in English

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Grammar-Quizzes › Connectives › Connective Prepositions › By the time

"By the Time "

View relative progress or completion.

Traffic is terrible this afternoon. My kids will already be eating by the time I get home. I'd like to play with them outdoors. But by the time I get home, the sun will already have set . It will be dark.

It is fall and the days are getting shorter. As I drive home from work, the sun will be setting . It will still be setting when I get home. In winter, the sun will already have set when I get home.

By the time vs. When

~ Awkward sounding; by the time is more commonly used.  See Will / Will have (Future Perfect).

By the time expresses that the end-point of one activity (with duration) is the point-of-time for viewing the timing of another activity, “not later than the time” [possibly before and up to X point of time].  The expression is used to compare or estimate relative progress of one activity to another.  [temporal location prepositional phrase]

When expresses that the timing of one activity is the point of time for viewing the timing of another activity, "at the time" [X point of time]

time-frame (N) — "window of time", a period of time, especially a specified period in which something occurs or is planned to take place

(Murphy §120)

"By" Complements

Express completion times, by — "possibly before and up to x time".

* incorrect or not-used wording.  ~uncommon usage or usage that requires a special context.

assessment (N) – estimation (in this case, the point for evaluating the progress or completion of the other activity)

complement (N) — in grammar, a word, phrase or clause that completes the meaning of another element in the clause. In some cases, the complement is required in order to make sense. In other cases, the complement is not absolutely required but adds important modifying and identifying information.  (The tall boy wants to talk to you. The boy who is waiting wants to talk to you. The boy in the back of the room wants to talk to you.)   See Complement .

Also see At / By and When/While and BytheTime.pdf .

Tense Agreement

Adjust future, present and past timing, tense agreement — progressive vs. perfect.

*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.

ongoing — continuing, in progress

done — completed, finished

Until vs. By

Express a milestone in personal development, until "up to"  vs. by "possibly before but no later than".

¹ Until – "up to the time of" often includes an understood but not explicitly stated starting point. From birth to 18 months, she did not walk.

² Beginning not until requires auxiliary support and the inversion of the subject and auxiliary in the main clause.   Not until she was 95, did she have to use a wheelchair.   This word order is not used : *She had a chair not until she was 95 .   This is used: She walked until she was 95.

interval (N) – a period of time, a range of time (from X time to Y time).   

milestone (N) – a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development of a person (business, nation, etc.)

(Swan 117, 602)  (Murphy §120)

Future Perfect – Passive Voice

Relate the progress or completion of one activity to another, future perfect vs. passive future perfect.

*sounds awkward. 

assess (V) – estimate, judge, evaluate

digitize (V) –  to convert to a digital form for use on a computer

archive (N or V) – a collection of historical records or film; to store records

By the Time

Punctuation, initial vs. mid position.

archive (N) – a collection of historical records or film

digitize (V) –  to convert to a digital form for use on a computer 

Also see Using Commas general rules.

Common Mistakes

Errors and solutions, error and solution.

*Yellow highlighting indicates example of incorrect usage.

Grammar Notes (Advanced)

Traditional and linguistic descriptions.

CATEGORIES:   NP –noun phrase; N – noun; VP  – verb phrase; V – verb; Det – determiner ; PP – prepositional phrase; P – preposition; AdvP – adverb phrase; Adv – adverb; AdjP – adjective phrase; Ad j – adjective FUNCTIONS: Subject :  Subject,   Predicate : Predicator (V) Complements : (elements required by verb) Object, Indirect Object, Predicative Complement   Adjuncts : (optional modifiers) Adj, Adv

Works Cited

• Azar, Betty Schrampfer, and Stacy A. Hagen. Understanding and Using English Grammar. 4th ed., Pearson Education, 2009.
• Huddleston, Rodney D., and Geoffrey K. Pullum. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge UP, 2002.
• Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. 5th ed., Cambridge UP. 2019.
• O'Brien, Elizabeth. "Diagramming Sentences Exercises: Chapter 1." English Grammar Revolution. 2016. english-grammar-revolution.com/english-grammar-exercise.html . Accessed on 10 Oct. 2016.
• Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2005.
• "Sentence diagram." Wikipedia. 28 Sep. 2016. Accessed on 10 Oct. 2016.

Imagining Future Events

Complete the sentence with a future progressive or perfect verb tense..

• Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence. 
• Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "check" or "check 1-15" button.

High-Speed Rail — Still Waiting

Read for Errors

California has been trying to build a high-speed rail (train) as a clean-energy alternative for travel within the state. By November, it will be four years since the voters approved a proposition to build the project. The original estimate for building the high-speed rail was around 40 billion. By the time the train is actually built in 2030, the cost will have rose to five times that amount.

The system will extend from San Francisco and Sacramento, via the Central Valley, to Los Angeles and San Diego via the Inland Empire. The state expects to complete a 130-mile initial construction segment from Merced to Bakersfield in the Central Valley by 2017. By then, it hopes to have been made a final selection for a route to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Some concerned people in towns such as Palo Alto have tried to block the train from passing through their neighborhoods. The High-Speed Rail Authority has come up with various solutions, raised and tunnel, so that communities will not be disturbed by the passing of the train.

Many hope that these problems will have been solving so that the project can continue. Getting so many people to agree has been a difficult task. Many people joke, "By the time that train is finished, I will have passed away!"

alternative (N) – another option

block (V) – stop

disturb (V) – bother, disrupt

estimate (N) – calculation of cost

extend (V) – reach

has come up with (VP) – has planned

pass away (VP) – die

proposition (N) – a project requiring a vote of the people

segment (N) – part of the rail line

solve (V) – find an answer to a problem

task (N) – small project or job within a larger one

various (Adj) – differing

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passed away (expression) – died

The year 2100 – what will it be like?

Advanced level

What picture do you have of the future? Will life in the future be better, worse or the same as now? Will this hot, flat, and crowded world be "standing room only"?  People hope that by the year 2100, many of our current problems will have being solved.

Clean water will be one of the most valuable resources.  Demand for water will have been increased ten times.  In fact, there could be a serious shortage. Will water be more valuable than oil?  Will we have found a way to preserve our most precious resource by 2100?

Energy will come from a variety of sources: wind, air, solar, hydrogen fuel, and nuclear fusion.  Cars will have stopping using gasoline and will be using far more efficient means of getting around.  Public transit is expected to play a larger part in our daily lives.

The boundaries between entertainment and education will disappear. "Edutainment" will have took over as the preferred system of learning. Parents stories of having carried backpacks with 60 pounds of books will be a  source of amusement for children.  Learning will be "on demand" and focused to specific needs in the world job market. 

Robots will continue to replace people in manufacturing; however, personal services will be in high demand.  However, by 2100, companies have replaced phone trees with human operators.  Local items such as food, clothing, and furniture with an "artisanal" touch will again be preferred over more polished, less expensive items produced by robots.

What experts cannot predict is whether we will be kinder, more caring people .  Will we have understood that violence and war only cause pain and despair? Will we be able to share earth's resources?  Will we have stopped looking at our differences and start seeing our common goals?

aircraft (N) – general term for planes; singular or plural

artisanal – a marketing buzz word for being hand made or produced

boundaries (n. pl.) – dividing lines, limitations

crowded (Adj) – filled with too many people or things

despair (N) – misery, loss of hope

efficient (Adj) – functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort

focus (Adj) – limit to a smaller circle of attention

on demand (p.p.) – available, easy to get when someone wants it

play a part (v. phrase) – be included, be instrumental in a larger plan

public transit (N) – transportation for everyone (not private)

resource (N) – a supply of something or a support or aid that can easily be used when needed

sensor (N) – a mechanical device that is sensitive to light, temperature, radiation level, or movement, and which transmits a signal to a measuring or control instrument

SST   – Super Sonic Transport (Air France Concorde)

valuable (Adj) – bringing a high price

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EnglishGrammarSoft

Future Tenses in English (Structure & 10 Examples Each)

Future tenses indicate an action that will happen in the future. These are used to talk about the future; to describe what will happen (or will be happening) in future; and to make predictions about what might happen.

The future tenses of verb are used to describe events that have not yet happened. The future tense can be used to express:

• Actions that will take place in the future
• Probability or likelihood of an event occurring
• Intentions or plans for the future

There are a few different ways to form the future tense in English. The most common is to use the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb. For example:

• I will go to the store later.
• She will read the book tonight.
• They will finish their homework before dinner.

Another way to form the future tense is by using “going to” followed by the base form of the main verb. This is used to express plans or intentions for the future. For example:

• I am going to go to the store later.
• She is going to read the book tonight.
• They are going to finish their homework before dinner.

Finally, the future tense can also be expressed using the present tense form (base form) of the main verb. This is typically used for scheduled events that will occur in the future. For example:

• The train leaves at 6:00 pm.
• His flight arrives at 9:30 am tomorrow.
• The meeting starts in five minutes.

The future tense is a verb tense used to indicate that an action or event is expected to take place in the future. The future tense can be used to express actions, events, or states of being that will occur at some point in the future.

Types of Future Tenses

There are four types of future tenses in English:

• The simple future tense is used to describe an action or event that will happen in the future. For example, “I will go to the store.”
• The future continuous tense is used to describe an action or event that will be happening at some point in the future. For example, “I will be going to the store.”
• The future perfect tense is used to describe an action or event that will have happened at some point in the future. For example, “I will have gone to the store.”
• The future perfect continuous tense is used to express an action that will continue up to a specific point in the future. For example, “The students will have been studying for two hours by the time we arrive.”

What is Simple Future Tense?

The simple future tense is used to describe an event that will take place in the future. It is typically expressed using the modal verb “will”. For example, the sentence “I will go to the store.” expresses the fact that going to the store is something that will happen in the future.

Other ways of expressing the simple future tense include using the verb “shall” or using the base form of the verb with no auxiliary verb. In some cases, a present tense form may be used to express futurity, such as with the phrase “I am leaving tomorrow.”

The simple future tense can also be used to express probability or likelihood, as in the sentence “This will be my last chance to see her.”

When Simple Future Tense is Used?

• The Simple Future tense is used to express an action that will happen in the near future, e.g., She will write a book.
• We use will + infinitive for actions that are certain and definite, e.g., I will go to the party this weekend; She will buy a new car next month; We’ll see each other soon!
• We use going to + infinitive for actions that are likely but not certain, e.g., It’s going to rain tomorrow; He is going to fail his exam tomorrow because he didn’t study enough; They’re going to win their next match because they’re so good at tennis!

Structure of Simple Future Tense

The structure of simple future tense is:

Subject + will + base form of verb

He/She/It/I/We/They/You + will + base form

10 Examples of Simple Future Tense

• He will drive the car.
• She will teach the class.
• It will rain tomorrow.
• He will be able to do it.
• We will go to the park tomorrow.
• He will play tennis with his friends.
• They will visit their grandparents next week.
• I will read a book tonight.
• She will help me with my homework.
• They will go to the movies tomorrow.

What is Future Continuous (Progressive) Tense?

The Future Progressive Tense is used to express actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. The time can be expressed explicitly, or it can be implied. For example:

• I will be studying for my test at 6pm tonight. (The time is expressed explicitly.)
• Next week, I ‘ll be getting my hair cut. (The time is implied.)

However, there are some subtle differences in meaning between the two forms. In general, will is used for actions that are sure to happen, while be going to is used for actions that are more likely or planned. For example:

• The sun will rise at 6am tomorrow. (This is a sure thing.)
• I am going to study for my test tonight. (This is something I have planned.)

There are also some differences in how we use these forms in spoken English. Will is more common in written English, while be going to is more common in spoken English. You can read here more detail regarding usage of will and going to.

When Future Continuous Tense is Used?

• The future continuous tense is used for actions that will occur in the near future – often within one or two days ( For example: I will be leaving tomorrow.)
• It is used with stative verbs to describe a change in state that will continue in the future ( For example : The sun will be rising soon.)
• Future Continuous Tense can also be used to talk about actions that are likely to happen in the near future but haven’t been scheduled yet (or set in stone). In this case, we use “will be going” instead of “will be.” For example: They will be going on vacation next month.

Structure of Future Continuous Tense

Subject + will be + present participle

He/She/It/I/You/We/They + will be + present participle

10 Examples of Future Continuous Tense

• She will be eating dinner at 6:00 p.m.
• They will be arriving at the airport at 3:00 p.m.
• He will be playing tennis with his friends later this afternoon.
• Next week we will be going on a field trip to the zoo.
• I will be taking my final exams next month.
• They will be playing soccer on Saturday morning.
• In a month, we will be moving to a new house.
• She will be walking the dog at six o’clock tomorrow morning.
• You will be finishing your report by 5:00 PM today.
• Later tonight, I will be doing some laundry and cleaning the kitchen.

What is Future Perfect Tense?

The Future Perfect Tense is used to express an action that will be completed before a certain time in the future. This tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” along with the present participle of the main verb. For example, “I will have finished my essay by noon tomorrow.”

• By the time she arrives at 3 pm, I will have cleaned the entire house.
• They will have arrived in New York by noon tomorrow.
• You will have completed your homework before you go to bed.

As you can see, the future perfect tense is used to describe an event that will happen before another event in the future. In order to form this tense, you need to use the correct verb conjugation of “will” followed by the correct verb conjugation of “have” and the past participle of the main verb.

When Future Perfect Tense is Used?

Here are some examples of how to use the future perfect tense:

• “I will have finished by 10 pm.” This sentence shows that you have already planned to finish something by 10 pm, or it shows that you intend to finish something by 10 pm.
• “She will be ready when we get there.” This sentence shows that she has already planned or decided on a time when she will be ready for something, such as meeting with someone else at a certain time and place.
• “We won’t have eaten lunch by 3 o’clock.” This sentence shows that we haven’t yet planned on eating lunch at 3 o’clock (or any other time), but we know we will eat lunch sometime before that time arrives.

Structure of Future Perfect Tense

Structure of future perfect tense is:

Subject + will have + past participle

10 Examples of Future Perfect Tense

• By six PM tonight, the delivery  will have arrived.
• I  will have graduated  by this time next year.
• They  will have finished  the project by Monday morning.
• We  will have reached  our destination before dark.
• She  will have read  the entire book by tomorrow afternoon.
• By the end of this month, we  will have paid  our rent.
• You  will have received  your promotion by next week.
• They  will have built  the new bridge by 2024.
• We  will have published  our book by then.
• She  will have cleaned  the house before her guests arrive.

What is Future Perfect Progressive Tense?

The future perfect progressive tense is used to describe an ongoing action that will be completed at some point in the future. This tense is formed by using the present tense of the verb “to be” followed by the present participle of the main verb. For example:

I will have been studying French for two years by the time I go to Paris.

In this sentence, the action of studying French is ongoing and will be completed in the future.

When Future Perfect Continuous Tense is Used?

The Future Perfect Continuous Tense is used to express an action that will be unfinished at a certain time in the future. It can also be used to talk about an action that will have been going on for some time when another event happens.

• I will have been working here for ten years when I retire. (When I retire, it will have been ten years since I started working here.)
• She will not have been waiting for more than 5 minutes when her sister arrives. (Her sister hasn’t arrived yet, but she has been waiting for more than 5 minutes.)
• He will not have been waiting long when he got his flight number called by the gate agent. (He was probably waiting only a short time before getting his flight number called.)

Structure of Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Structure of present perfect tense is:

Subject + will have been + present participle

He/She/It/I/You/We/They + will have been + present participle

10 Examples of Future Perfect Continuous Tense

• Next month, Sarah  will have been working  at her new job for six months.
• Within the next few weeks, the construction workers  will have been working  on the new bridge.
• I  will have been flying  to Australia for the first time in two days.
• I  will have been playing  the piano for six months by the time my recital comes around.
• He  will have been writing  his book for two years by the time it is finally published.
• She  will have been taking  dance classes for eight years by the time she graduates from college.
• She  will have been jogging  for an hour by the time she gets home.
• I  will have been cooking  dinner for half an hour by the time you get home.
• By the time we finish this race, we  will have been running  for over an hour.
• I  will have been writing  articles for the website for three years by the time I graduate.

Further Reading

• Simple Future Tense Sentences
• Simple Future Tense Worksheet
• Future Continuous Tense Sentences
• Future Continuous Tense Worksheet
• Future Perfect Tense Sentences
• Future Perfect Tense Worksheet
• Future Perfect Continuous Tense Sentences
• Future Perfect Continuous Tense Worksheet

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Modals for Obligation: Understanding and Usage Guide

Modals for obligation: a comprehensive guide to understanding and using them.

This page is about modal verbs for obligation : must, have to, should, ought to, and need to. For other types of modals click here .

Introduction:

English modal verbs can be used to express obligation . This article delves into the various modal verbs, such as must, have to, should, ought to, and need to , exploring their differences and usage. Gaining a better understanding of these verbs will improve your grasp of English grammar and enhance your communication skills.

A. What are modal verbs?

Modal verbs are a specific category of verbs in English that express various modalities, such as ability, permission, suggestion, and obligation. Modal verbs differ from regular verbs in their unique grammatical properties and usage patterns. They play a crucial role in conveying precise meanings and nuances in English sentences.

Examples of modal verbs include “may”, “can”, “may”, “must”, “should”, etc.

In this artcicle we will focus on modals for obligation , particularly, must, mustn”t, should, shouldn’t, have to, need, and needn”t.

B. Must and Have To: Firm Obligation and Necessity

“Must ” and ” have to” primarily express a firm obligation or necessity. It’s important to note that “ must ” only exists in the simple present and present perfect forms, whereas “ have to ” encompasses all normal tenses.

Must in the present

In the present, ‘must’ expresses obligation, necessity, certainty, or logical conclusion in the present:

• Obligation :
• You must complete your assignments before the deadline.
• I must attend the meeting tomorrow.
• You must see a doctor at once!
• Necessity :
• She must drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• We must take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
• Certainty or a logical conclusion in the present :
• The sun is shining brightly. It must be a beautiful day outside.
• He hasn”t answered his phone all day. He must be busy.
• The sky is dark, and I hear thunder. It must be raining outside.
• They haven’t arrived yet. They must be stuck in traffic .

Must with the Present Perfect (logical conclusion in the past):

The structure ‘ must + have + past participle ‘ expresses a logical conclusion about something that happened in the past.

• They are not here. They must have gone to Chicago.
• The bus is late again. We must have missed it.

The term “mustn”t” is a contraction of “must not.” It is used to indicate prohibition, something that is not allowed. Here are a few situations where “mustn”t” is commonly used:

• Prohibitions :
• You mustn”t smoke in this area.
• Students mustn”t use their cell phones during the exam.
• Rules and Regulations :
• Passengers mustn”t exceed the baggage weight limit.
• Employees mustn”t disclose confidential information.
• Safety Instructions :
• Visitors mustn”t enter the construction site without proper authorization.
• You mustn”t operate the machinery without wearing protective gear.

3. Have To:

Like ” must “, “ have to ” expresses obligation . But unlike, “ must “, “ have to ” can be used in different tenses:

Have to in the affirmative: Expressing obligation or necessity.

‘ Have to ‘ in the affirmative expresses obligation or necessity .

• I have to be at school tomorrow at 8 a.m. I have an exam!
• I have to submit the report by the end of the day.
• She has to attend the meeting later.
• They have to finish their homework before going out.
• We have to pay the bills before the due date.
• The employees have to follow the dress code policy.
• He has to take his medication three times a day.
• The students have to complete the assignment by Friday.
• The team has to meet the project deadline.
• We have to book our flights in advance.
• She has to wake up early for work every morning.

Have to in the negative: Indicating the absence of obligation or necessity.

“ Have to ” in the negative is “ don’t have to “. It indicates the absence of obligation or necessity .

• You don’t have to attend the meeting if you’re busy.
• They don’t have to finish the project today; they can work on it tomorrow.
• You don’t have to bring a gift to the party; your presence is enough.
• We don’t have to wear formal attire to the casual gathering.
• She doesn’t have to cook dinner tonight; we’ll order takeout instead.
• He doesn’t have to attend the optional workshop if he’s not interested.
• They don’t have to submit the application form again; it’s already been received.
• I don’t have to stay late at the office; my work is completed for the day.
• You don’t have to apologize for the mistake; it was a minor oversight.
• We don’t have to follow that specific route; there’s an alternative way.
• She doesn’t have to answer the phone if she doesn’t want to.

4. Have to vs. must

What is the difference between “have to” and “must” ? Although both words express obligation, there are some notable distinctions. “Must” conveys an internal obligation, originating from the speaker, while “have to” conveys an external obligation, originating from outside the speaker.

Examples and explanations:

• Must (Internal Obligation) :
• Speaker’s Obligation: I must finish my assignment tonight.
• Explanation: The speaker feels a personal obligation to complete the assignment. It is their own judgment or conviction that drives them to prioritize finishing it.
• Have to (External Obligation) :
• External Obligation: I have to attend the meeting tomorrow .
• Explanation: The obligation to attend the meeting comes from external circumstances or rules. It could be a requirement set by the organization or someone in authority.

Here are the main similarities and differences::

Affirmative Form:

• “Must” is a modal verb and does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense.
• “Have to” is a verb phrase that is conjugated according to the tense, subject, and auxiliary verb “have.”

Negative Form:

• “Must” is negated by adding “not” or using the contraction “musn’t.”
• “Have to” is negated by using “do not/does not have to” or the contractions “don’t/doesn’t have to.”

Interrogative Form:

• Questions with “must” are formed by inverting the subject and the modal verb: “Must I?” “Must they?”
• Questions with “have to” are formed using the auxiliary verb “do”: “Do I have to?” “Does he have to?”

In summary, “must” emphasizes personal conviction, strong recommendations, and internal obligations , while “have to” emphasizes external obligation, requirements, and compliance with rules or circumstances .

Comparison Table: Difference between must and have to

5. mustn”t vs. don’t have to: understanding the difference.

Understanding the distinction between “must not ” and “ don’t have to ” is essential as they carry contrasting meanings.

1. Must Not:

“ Must not ” implies prohibition or being forbidden from doing something. It indicates a strong restriction or requirement to refrain from a specific action.

• You must not smoke in this area.

2. Don’t Have To:

“ Don’t have to ” indicates the absence of obligation or not being required to do something. It suggests that a particular action is optional or unnecessary, and there are no strict requirements to fulfill.

It is crucial to understand the differences between “must not” and “don’t have to.” This helps you accurately convey whether an action is prohibited or optional. Additionally, the use of “got to” in informal contexts can add emphasis or urgency to the obligation expressed by “have to.”

6. Usage of “Got To”

In informal styles, “ have to ” is often accompanied by “ got ” in spoken English, especially in the present tense. While it doesn’t alter the meaning, it adds emphasis or urgency to the obligation.

• I’ve got to finish this report by tomorrow.
• We’re late; we”ve got to hurry.

C. Should and Ought To: Recommendation or Moral Obligation

“ Should ” and “ought to “ express advice, recommendations, or moral obligations. They are synonymous and used to suggest or advise certain actions or behaviors.

‘Should’ expresses advice or recommendation.

• You should apologize for your mistake.
• You should study for the exam if you want to do well.
• He should take a break and get some rest; he’s been working too hard.
• We should eat more fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet.
• They should visit the museum; it’s a fascinating place.
• I think you should apologize to your friend for what you said.
• She should consider taking up a hobby to relax and unwind.
• It’s raining outside; you should take an umbrella with you.
• The movie received excellent reviews; you should watch it.
• We should save money for our future financial security.
• They should arrive early to secure good seats for the concert.

The negative of “should”

The negative of “ should ” is “ shouldn’t ”

• You shouldn’t worry about that.
• You shouldn’t eat too much junk food; it’s not good for your health.
• They shouldn’t spend all their money on unnecessary items.
• We shouldn’t ignore the importance of regular exercise.
• He shouldn’t skip breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day.
• The company shouldn’t overlook the feedback from customers.
• Students shouldn’t procrastinate; they should start working on their assignments early.
• I shouldn’t forget to call my parents; they”ve been waiting to hear from me.
• She shouldn’t be rude to others; it’s important to treat people with respect.
• You shouldn’t rely solely on luck; hard work is necessary for success.
• We shouldn’t underestimate the challenges that lie ahead.

In these examples, “ shouldn’t ” is used to advise against or discourage certain actions or behaviors. It implies that the mentioned actions are not desirable or advisable based on the speaker”s opinion or judgment.

2. Ought To:

Similar to “ should “, “ ought to ” expresse s advice, recommendations, or moral obligations .

• We ought to be more environmentally conscious.
• You ought to apologize for your mistake.
• We ought to be more mindful of our environmental impact.
• He ought to study harder if he wants to pass the exam.
• They ought to consider all the options before making a decision.
• The government ought to invest more in healthcare services.
• She ought to call her parents regularly to keep in touch.
• I ought to take some time off and relax.
• We ought not to judge others based on appearances.
• You ought to be grateful for the opportunities you have.
• They ought not to waste food; it’s important to reduce food waste .

Ought to in the negative

“ Ought to ” in the negative is “ ought not to “.

• You ought not to interfere in their personal matters.
• She ought not to eat so much junk food if she wants to stay healthy.
• They ought not to be late for the meeting; punctuality is important.
• We ought not to waste electricity; remember to turn off the lights when you leave the room.
• He ought not to gossip about others; it’s not a good habit.
• You ought not to neglect your responsibilities; take them seriously.
• They ought not to rely solely on luck; preparation is key to success.
• The company ought not to overlook the feedback from customers; it can help improve their products.
• We ought not to judge others based on their appearance; it’s important to look beyond stereotypes.
• She ought not to spend all her money on unnecessary things; it’s important to save for the future.
• You ought not to skip breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day.

In these examples, “ ought not to ” is used to express a recommendation or advise against a particular action. It suggests that the action is not desirable or advisable based on social norms, moral values, or practical considerations.

3. Ought to vs should

‘ Should ” and “ ought to ” are similar in meaning and usage. They both express advice, recommendation or the speaker”s opinion about what is the right or appropriate course of action. While there may be slight differences in formality or emphasis between “should” and “ought to,” they can generally be used interchangeably in most contexts.

Here are the main differences:

• Formality and Politeness :
• “Should”: “Should” is generally considered more common, informal, and widely used in everyday language.
• “Ought to”: “Ought to” is slightly less common and is often perceived as more formal or polite, especially in written or formal contexts.
• Negation and Interrogation :
• “Should”: The negative form of “should” is “shouldn’t” (should not)
• “Ought to”: The negative form of “ought to” is “ought not to” (or “oughtn’t to”)

Need To: expressing necessity

“Need to” is used to express necessity or strong recommendations. In its affirmative form, it indicates that something is required or recommended. In its negative form, it suggests the absence of obligation or the lack of necessity.

• I need to study for the upcoming exam.
• We need to take immediate action to address the issue.
• She needs to finish her work before the deadline.
• They need to buy groceries for tonight”s dinner.
• You don’t need to worry about that.
• He needn’t attend the meeting if he has a conflicting appointment.
• We don’t need to rush; there’s plenty of time.
• They needn’t bring their own laptops; we’ll provide them.

Conclusion:

The modal verbs must, have to, should, ought to, and need to each have their unique nuances and usage patterns. By grasping the distinctions between these modal verbs, learners can accurately convey obligations, necessities, recommendations, and moral obligations in their speech and writing.

Related pages

• Modal verbs
• Present and past of modals
• Modals for Obligation
• Must and have to
• Shall and will
• Is need a modal verb?
• Exercise on modals
• Exercise on modals in the past
• Exercise on modals: mustn’t or needn’t
• Exercise on have to vs don’t have to
• Exercise on Modals for Obligation: must, mustn’t, don’t have/doesn’t have to
• Exercise on the meaning of modals

They ___ (to finish) their homework yesterday.

A. finished

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Future Perfect – Statements – Exercise

Task no. 4233.

Put in the verbs in brackets in Future Perfect .

He   the suitcase by tomorrow. (to pack)

He will have packed the suitcase by tomorrow.

Do you need help?

Future Perfect

• Anne her bike next week. (to repair)
• We the washing by 8 o'clock. (to do)
• She Paris by the end of next year. (to visit)
• I this by 6 o'clock. (to finish)
• Sam by next week. (to leave)
• She this with her mother tonight. (to discuss)
• The police the driver. (to arrest)
• They their essay by tomorrow. (to write)
• Paolo the teams. (to manage)
• If we can do that - then we our mission. (to fulfil)
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How to Finish Your Homework

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 283,891 times.

While studying can differ for different age groups, many of the things that get in the way are the same. Whether it's your environment or time management skills, it easy for things to discourage you from finishing your homework. With a little organization and help, your homework can become approachable.

Managing Your Time

• For instance, try setting aside a time you know you can work well such as an hour or 2 before dinner, or if you're a night owl, after dinner.

• Work in hour blocks, with 50 minutes spent studying and 10 minutes spent taking a break.
• It can also be helpful to move around when you are taking your break, especially if you are working at a screen. Go for a walk outside to get your blood circulating and enjoy some fresh air.
• You might also want to eat a healthy snack on your break to improve your focus. Avoid junk food and choose something like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, veggies, or a small portion of cottage cheese.

• Identify which assignments are worth the most points for each class. Most likely these will take the longest to complete. [5] X Research source
• Consider how long you have to do each project, and if possible, see when the assignment is introduced. Oftentimes, primary and secondary school classes do not have syllabi, so it might be harder to plan out an entire term, but if you are in college, you will most likely have a syllabus with at least a partial course schedule. Knowing how long you have to complete an assignment will help you prioritize which assignments to do first. You can also ask the teacher how long you have to complete an assignment. [6] X Research source

• Use highlighters or stickers to mark which assignments are most important.
• If you're using an online or mobile schedule, create alerts or notifications for the projects and any time-sensitive steps for those projects.

• Don't let a big project overshadow the smaller assignments you need to complete!

• Assignment outlines can help you visualize the necessary tasks to get the assignment done.

Creating a Productive Work Environment

• A desk or table would be a better location than a couch or a bed.

• Turn your phone off or on silent (not vibrate). It might be best to put the phone out of sight, or in another room while you work, as the temptation to text or get on social media can be as much of a distraction as actually using social media.
• Use an app that blocks social media. There are plenty of applications out there that can help block social media and other distracting sites (such as shopping or gaming sites). [10] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source

• Use a white noise app to block out noise.
• Use earplugs or noise-blocking earmuffs. [12] X Research source
• Work in a quiet place, such as a library or a home office, if you have one.
• Avoid listening to music while studying. Studies have shown that although listening to music while studying lowers overall performance, this does not affect everyone equally. [13] X Research source However listening to music before studying has been shown to improve performance on cognitive tasks. [14] X Research source

Using Your Resources

• If you're too afraid to ask a teacher during class, see if you can stay behind to ask your questions.

• First, contact your school to see if there are any after-school tutoring programs. While not all primary and secondary schools offer tutoring, a vast majority of universities do. If your school does not offer tutoring, they may know of other resources for you to contact.
• Then, contact your library to see if they offer any tutoring. [18] X Research source
• In some areas, there may also be free community tutoring programs. Contact your local community center for more information.
• There are plenty of private tutors out there as well, but they can be costly (ranging from $20 to $100 an hour). [19] X Research source You can find tutors online through a number of websites, such as Craigslist or Angie's list.

• If you need to work at a library after school, ask your parents or search the web to find your local library.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Don't feel too stressed or you'll be doing less work than you actually can. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
• Maintain a healthy diet. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3

• Recommended time doing homework varies by age. The National PTA recommends about 10 minutes per grade level per night (30 minutes a night for the third grade). Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Some people may need additional help in order to focus on their homework and finish it. If you are struggling in school, ask your parents or teachers about what resources may be available, and seek out professional help or ask your parents to do so, if necessary. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 9
• If you are under the age of thirteen, you may need to obtain your parents’ permission before downloading any computer applications. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 13

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• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/power-habit-charles-duhigg
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
• ↑ https://www.wma.us/about/titan-blog/post/~board/titan-blog/post/how-to-prioritize-school-assignments-and-homework
• ↑ https://jhsap.org/self_help_resources/school-life_balance//
• ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
• ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/concentration
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html/
• ↑ https://absn.northeastern.edu/blog/8-things-to-keep-in-your-at-home-study-space/
• ↑ https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/171/
• ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acp.1731
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
• ↑ https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2412&context=etd
• ↑ https://blogs.chapman.edu/scst/2016/02/09/what-tutoring-is-and-what-tutoring-is-not/
• ↑ https://undergrad.stanford.edu/tutoring-support

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