What is difference between should and must
by Yogi P - October 26, 2023
The Difference between Should and Must
When it comes to English, two of the most commonly confused words are should and must. Though they appear to be interchangeable in some cases, there are subtle nuances in their meanings and usages.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words.
Should
Should is an auxiliary verb that is used in the formation of various tenses. It’s most often employed in the following ways:
- To express an obligation, duty, or recommendation (e.g. You should take a break).
- To express intention (e.g. I should be leaving soon).
- To indicate propriety or the way something ought to be (e.g. That should be enough) and
- To express probability or supposition (e.g. They should be here by now).
Must
On the other hand, must is a modal verb that is used to express obligation, requirement, prohibition, or permission. Here are some examples of its usage:
- To express a requirement, obligation, or duty (e.g. You must finish your homework).
- To express a prohibition (e.g. You must not eat in the library).
- To express an assumption or probability (e.g. This must be the right way).
- To express permission (e.g. You must go ahead).
Difference between Should and Must – Meaning and Usage:
The predominant difference between should and must lies in their degrees of obligation. While should implies a suggestion that carries with it a degree of obligation, must is a stronger form of obligation and carries the idea of necessity. That being said, the context of the sentence ultimately determines the connotation between the two.
Examples of Difference between Should and Must:
- Should: You should finish your project on time.
- Must: You must finish your project on time.
In the first sentence, there is a suggestion that it would be wise to finish the project on time; but in the second sentence, there is a sense of necessity and obligation associated with finishing the project on time.
- Should: You should respect your elders.
- Must: You must obey your elders.
The first sentence expresses the notion that it would be proper to show respect towards one’s elders. However, in the second sentence, respect has taken on the form of a mandated requirement.
Highlights of Should vs Must
| Aspect | Should | Must |
|---|---|---|
| Modality | “Should” expresses advice, recommendation, or preference. | “Must” expresses necessity, obligation, or a requirement. |
| Degree | “Should” implies a suggestion or a milder degree of obligation. | “Must” implies a stronger degree of obligation or a mandate. |
| Examples | – You should study for the exam. (advice) – She should go to the doctor for a check-up. (recommendation) | – You must wear a seatbelt in the car. (obligation) – He must complete the assignment by tomorrow. (requirement) |
| Consequences | “Should” may have fewer or milder consequences for non-compliance. | “Must” often implies more significant consequences for non-compliance. |
| Flexibility | “Should” allows for flexibility and personal choice. | “Must” implies less flexibility and a stronger sense of duty. |
Activity to Enhance Understanding:
To gain a better understanding of how should and must can be used in a sentence, try identifying these words in articles, books, or magazines. This will help you to get an idea of how they are employed in context and to form a better grasp of their usage.
Conclusion
As with any other word, the context of the sentence determines which between should and must is more appropriate to use. While the former expresses a suggestion, the latter is usually used to express a requirement or necessity. With practice, one should be able to differentiate between the two and use them effectively in their writing.
