Should vs Must
Should and Must are two modal auxiliary verbs in English language that should be used correctly as there exists a difference between should and must. Both verbs differ in their forms and their meanings as well. Before looking at this difference between should and must, let us first see what there is to say about both of these words individually. The principal use of must is as a verb that is discussed in this article. Then, must is also used as a noun in three different contexts with three different meanings. As for should, it is only used as a verb. Should has its origin in the Old English word sceolde. Must also has its origin in Old English, in the word mōste.
What does Must mean?
The verb must is generally used expressive of certainty as in the following sentence.
I must get up at five tomorrow.
In this sentence, the modal auxiliary verb must is used expressive of certainty regarding getting up at five in the morning.
Must is used to indicative of strong advice to oneself or to others as in the sentences given below:
I really must stop drinking alcohol.
You must be here by 9 o’clock at the latest.
In both the sentences given above, you will find that must is used supportive of an advice or order.
Sometimes must is used in questions too. In such cases, it seems to ask about the intentions of the person who is spoken to as in the sentences:
Must I write down everything?
Why must you read till late in the night this week?
You seem to ask about the intentions of the person who is spoken to in both the sentences by the usage of the verb must.
What does Should mean?
The modal auxiliary verb should can be used as the past form of shall as in the following sentence.
I said I should be in the temple before eleven.
The verb should sometimes is used after if to suggest some sort of possibility or chance as in the sentence mentioned below.
If you should see Julie, give her my wishes.
The meaning that you get from the sentence is that in case you meet her you convey my wishes to her.
The verb should is very frequently used to express obligation and duty as in the sentence,
You should meet him today.
What is the difference between Should and Must?
• The verb must is generally used expressive of certainty.
• Must is used to indicative of strong advice to oneself or to others.
• Sometimes must is used in questions too. In such cases, it seems to ask about the intentions of the person who is spoken to.
• The modal auxiliary verb should can be used as the past form of shall.
• The verb should sometimes is used after if to suggest some sort of possibility or chance.
• The verb should is very frequently used to express obligation and duty.
Thus, the two verbs, should and must, are to be used with precision.