
13 January 2026
968 - Talking About Obligation in English - Have To, Must, Need To, and Be Supposed To
Happy English Podcast
About
Do you ever feel like English has too many ways to say the same thing? Maybe you’ve wondered why English has have to, must, need to, and be supposed to, when they all seem to mean something like “I should do this.” Like, “I have to work late.” “I must finish this.” “I need to call her.” “I’m supposed to send the email.”
Today, we’ll look at four very common ways to talk about obligation, rules, and expectations - and you’ll hear how each one sounds a little different, even though they’re all connected to “things we should do.”
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses:
https://www.myhappyenglish.com
Today, we’ll look at four very common ways to talk about obligation, rules, and expectations - and you’ll hear how each one sounds a little different, even though they’re all connected to “things we should do.”
Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
Build Vocabulary With My Free Vocabulary Workshop: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
Happy English Podcast – Speak English Naturally I’m Michael from Happy English, and I help people speak English more naturally, confidently, and clearly.
🎥 Watch video versions of the Happy English Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HappyEnglishNY/podcasts
📘 Build your vocabulary with my free Vocabulary Workshop:
https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/vocabulary-workshop-signup
🌐 Learn more about my English lessons and courses:
https://www.myhappyenglish.com