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John Millen

Danny has seen the film Meet the Fockers 10 times. He thinks it is the funniest film ever and he is always telling his friends that they must see it. 'You must see Meet the Fockers. It's brilliant!' he says whenever he gets the chance.

Lucy has also seen Meet the Fockers 10 times and she, too, thinks it is the funniest film ever made. She tells her friends that they should see the movie. 'You should see Meet the Fockers. It's brilliant!' she says whenever she talks about movies with her friends.

Danny says 'You must see' and Lucy says 'You should see' when both of them are telling their friends to do the same thing. What's the difference between must and should?

Both these words are simple to use correctly. Must is used when you are giving a firm order to someone. You must get up at seven tomorrow. That is an order and the person you are talking to does not have a choice in the matter.

Must is also used when you are making a strong suggestion. It is your strong opinion that this is the right thing for the person to do. You must apologise to your mum tomorrow.

Should is used for less firm suggestions and advice. It is not as strong as saying must. You should get up at seven tomorrow. This would be the best thing to do but no lives will be lost if it does not happen.

You should apologise to your mum tomorrow. You think that this would be a good thing to do but you are not ordering the other person to do it.

Can you now see the difference between must and should?

Have A Go

Which do you think is the better word to use in these sentences, must or should

1. My dad will kill me if he finds out. You _________ not tell him!

2. You _________ make sure you get your visa before you go to the US.

3. You _________ send her a birthday card. She would be very pleased if you did

4. I am fed up with the low standard of your work. You _________ try harder or I will inform your parents

5. I _________ give my parents a call to say I will be late tonight. They will worry if I don't.

6. You _________ not lose your temper so often.

7. You _________ not put any sharp objects in your hand luggage when you are travelling by plane

8. I _________ get a job with a better salary. I can't afford my rent anymore.

What Should I Do?

We often use the phrase 'Should I_________?' when we are not sure what to do or we are asking someone's opinion about something or checking what to do. Should I stay at home tonight or go to the cinema? What question would you ask in each of these situations?

9. You don't know whether to invite Maggie to your birthday party. 10. You don't know whether to visit Manchester during your trip to the UK. 11. You don't know whether to walk or take the MTR. 12. You don't know whether to have chicken or sea food. 13. You don't know whether to get your haircut.

Answers: must: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8; should: 3, 6; 9. Should I invite Maggie to my birthday party? 10. Should I visit Manchester during my trip to the UK? 11. Should I walk or take the MTR? 12. Should I have chicken or seafood? 13. Should I get my haircut?



Correct use of 'must' and 'should'