Must

Definition

The word 'must' is a modal verb used to express necessity or obligation. It indicates that something is required or essential, often reflecting strong certainty or a sense of duty. 'Must' can also convey a conclusion drawn from evidence, signaling that the speaker believes something is highly likely to be true.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Must' is used to indicate strong necessity, often suggesting that there is no choice but to do something.
2. 'Must' can also imply logical deduction, such as when one concludes that something is likely true based on available evidence.
3. In negative forms, 'must not' indicates prohibition, suggesting that something should not happen.
4. 'Must' does not change form for different subjects; it remains the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
5. In informal contexts, 'have to' can sometimes replace 'must' without significantly changing the meaning, though 'must' carries a stronger sense of obligation.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'must' in a sentence convey necessity and obligation? Provide examples.
  • 'Must' is used to indicate necessity by creating sentences that reflect a requirement to act. For example, saying 'You must submit your assignment by Friday' shows an obligation to meet a deadline. The presence of 'must' emphasizes that there are no alternatives; the action is essential. This illustrates how 'must' communicates urgency and importance in decision-making.
• Discuss the differences between using 'must' and 'have to' in expressing obligations. How do they affect the tone of a statement?
  • 'Must' expresses a stronger sense of obligation than 'have to.' While both indicate requirements, 'must' often feels more authoritative and insistent, implying that the speaker believes there are no options. For instance, saying 'You must follow the rules' feels more imperative than 'You have to follow the rules,' which might suggest a more casual expectation. This difference in tone affects how the listener perceives the urgency or importance of the obligation.
• Evaluate how the modal verb 'must' can indicate logical deduction in conversation. Give an example of this usage.
  • 'Must' can indicate logical deduction when one draws conclusions based on evidence presented. For example, if someone observes dark clouds and says, 'It must rain soon,' they are inferring that rain is likely because of the observable condition. This use of 'must' reflects a high degree of certainty about an outcome based on reasoning rather than direct evidence. Evaluating this highlights how language can convey complex thoughts and assumptions in everyday communication.

Related terms

Auxiliary Verbs: Verbs that accompany the main verb in a sentence to form different tenses, moods, or voices, helping to express time or modality.

Modal Verbs: 'Modal verbs' are a type of auxiliary verb that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability, including words like 'can,' 'may,' 'might,' and 'should.'

Obligation:

A requirement or duty to do something, often associated with moral or legal responsibilities that influence behavior.