Key Difference: Must vs. Should

• Must is a very strong word that implies an obligation, necessity, or non-negotiable advice. It’s often used for rules, laws, or requirements.
• Should is softer and suggests advice or a recommendation that is strongly advised but not strictly required.

Think of must as something essential and should as something wise or beneficial.

1. Using “Must” for Strong Requirements

“Must” expresses a strong obligation. It means there’s no option or alternative if you want to meet certain expectations. Use “must” when you’re stating something essential or giving a non-negotiable directive.

Examples of “Must”:

• You must wear a seatbelt while driving. (It’s a legal requirement.)
• If you want to stay healthy, you must drink enough water daily. (It’s essential for health.)

Tip: “Must” is also common when the speaker wants to emphasize the importance of their advice with authority, such as in workplace rules or legal contexts.

2. Using “Should” for Advice or Recommendations

“Should” suggests advice rather than a requirement. It implies that following this recommendation is beneficial but not obligatory. Use “should” when you’re encouraging someone toward the best course of action without enforcing it.

Examples of “Should”:

• You should exercise regularly to maintain good health. (This is good advice, but it’s not mandatory.)
• He should call his parents to check in. (It’s advisable, but it’s not a strict rule.)

Tip: Think of “should” as friendly guidance. It’s like saying, “It’s a good idea to do this,” rather than “You absolutely have to.”

Analogy to Help Remember

Imagine “must” as a strict rule: 🚦 a red light on the road that you must stop for. Ignoring it could have serious consequences.

On the other hand, “should” is like a green arrow for guidance: it points the way, suggesting the best direction, but not stopping you if you choose a different route.

Common Mistakes

1. Using “must” for situations that don’t require strictness.
   • Incorrect: You must bring a gift to the party.
   • Correct: You should bring a gift to the party. (It’s polite, but not obligatory.)
2. Using “should” where there’s an actual requirement.
   • Incorrect: You should complete the form before boarding. (This sounds optional.)
   • Correct: You must complete the form before boarding. (It’s required.)

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with must or should:

1. You ________ brush your teeth twice a day to maintain good dental hygiene.
2. Passengers ________ show their tickets before entering the station.
3. You ________ wear sunscreen if you’re spending the day outside.
4. Employees ________ follow the company’s safety guidelines at all times.

Answers:

1. should
2. must
3. should
4. must