Should, must, or have to
- Joanne
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Should
Should is a word used to give advice, we believe that it's the right thing to do:
You should go and wash your hands now, it's time for dinner.
You should try and get all of your homework done before the weekend.
You should go to bed earlier if you're tired.
We can also advise someone against doing something using shouldn't:
You shouldn't play video games first thing in the morning, you won't be ready for school on time.
You shouldn't spend so much money on clothes, save some for a rainy day.
You shouldn't spend a lot of time on social media before bed, try reading a book instead.
I/we/you/they/he/she/it + should /shouldn't + infinitive (to form) of the verb eg go, try, play
You should go to Lisbon, it's a fantastic city!
You shouldn't drink too much coffee before bed.
We can use it to ask other people for their advice:
Where should I visit in Portugal?
What should we take to the beach?
What should I wear to the party?
When you give advice using should it is usual to say "I think...should..." or "I don't think...should..."
"I think you should visit Lisbon, it's a great city."
"I think we should take some beach towels and a picnic to the beach."
"I don't think you should wear that dress, the colour doesn't suit you."
Must
To give stronger advice, when you think it's necessary for someone to do something, must is the word to use.
I must clean the windows this week, they are so dirty!
You must go and see the new James Bond film, it's amazing!
I must remember to buy some milk otherwise we can't have cereal in the morning.
Used in the negative form, mustn't, we are telling someone strongly not to do something:
In an art gallery: "You mustn't touch the pictures."
In an expensive shop: "You mustn't touch the ornaments, if one breaks we will have to pay for it."
As a reminder to yourself: "I mustn't forget to buy milk later." (I must remember)
I/we/you/they/he/she/it + must/mustn't + infinitive (to form) of the verb eg go, try, play
I must remember to charge my phone before I go out later.
You mustn't eat any of that chocolate cake, it's for dessert later.
Have to
Have to is used for facts, something that is necessary from outside rather than a personal feeling:
You have to take this medicine the doctor has given you.
You have to wear a seatbelt when you are in a car.
I have to go to the dentist tomorrow, I have an appointment.
However, don't have to is a more relaxed way of saying something is not necessary:
I am feeling better, so I don't have to take medicine anymore.
You don't have to cycle to school tomorrow if it's raining, I can take you in the car.
I don't have to go to school tomorrow, we have a day off.
I/we/you/they/he/she/it + have to/don't have to + infinitive (to form) of the verb eg go, try, play
The traffic lights are on red, you have to stop.
You don't have to come to the party, but it would be fun if you did.
IMPORTANT
Mustn't and don't have to have very different meanings:
Mustn't means that it's necessary that you don't do it.
You mustn't touch the paintings in an art gallery.
Don't have to means you don't need to, but you can if you want to.
You don't have to have a piece of cake every time you go out for coffee, but you can if you want to!
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