"Should" and "must" are both modal verbs that express different levels of necessity or obligation.
- "Should" is used to indicate a recommendation or a suggestion. It suggests that something is a good idea or the right thing to do, but it is not mandatory. For example, "You should eat more fruits and vegetables for better health."
- "Must" is used to indicate a strong necessity or obligation. It implies that something is required or essential. For example, "You must wear a seatbelt while driving."
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 4
Should
- Expresses advice, suggestion, or recommendation: - You should see a doctor. - You should eat healthy foods.
- Indicates expectation or obligation (less strong than "must"): - You should be polite to your elders. - It should rain tomorrow.
- Expresses probability: - He should be at home now. - It should be a great movie.
Must
- Expresses strong necessity, obligation, or prohibition: - You must submit your report by tomorrow. - You must not cheat on the exam.
- Indicates logical consequence or certainty (based on evidence or deduction): - If you touch the fire, you must get burned. - The sky must be blue.
Key Differences
| Feature | Should | Must | |---|---|---| | Strength of obligation | Less strong | Strong | | Expresses advice | Yes | No | | Indicates expectation | Yes | Not as strongly | | Expresses probability | Yes | No | | Logical consequence | Not usually | Yes | | Prohibition | Can be used as "must not" | Yes |