Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Shredd]

Has anyone come up with a good way to explain the difference between must and should? I've found it tough to explain the difference to my middle school students.

[Juregen]

I tell them that with must, the speaker limits choice, with should you have a choice.

[Dome Vans]

"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation, although native speakers prefer the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be used to prohibit actions, but this sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as "should not" or "ought not" to dissuade rather than prohibit.

Examples:

* This must be the right address! certainty
* Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school. necessity
* You must take some medicine for that cough. strong recommendation
* Jenny, you must not play in the street! prohibition



"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.

Examples:

* When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. recommendation
* You should focus more on your family and less on work. advice
* I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. obligation
* By now, they should already be in Dubai. expectation

[Shredd]

Fair enough, thanX

[agoodmouse]

Should means "it's a good idea, but you have a choice to do it or not."

[Mi Yum mi]

You must breath, eat, drink aqnd sleep. If you don't you will die.

You must study or your teacher and mom will kick your ass.

Should isn't as strong.


It's that easy.

[WoBW]

With 'must' you have no choice.

"You must have a passport to travel overseas"
"You must have food and water to live"

With 'should', you're just saying it's the right thing to do.

"You should give your mother a gift on her birthday"
"You should do your best at school"

[jkelly80]

"Must" can also mean "I highly recommend"

"You must try this quiche!" Although it is my wish that no one ever speaks this way.