Must
(Obligation/Necessity)
Students must submit their assignments on Friday.
You must have a valid passport to travel internationally.
(Strong Recommendation)
You must visit the museum while you’re in the city.
He must see the doctor if the symptoms persist.
(Logical Conclusion)
It must be raining outside; everyone is carrying umbrellas.
She must be the manager; She is sitting in the manager’s office.
Formula:
- subject + must + verb + complement
I must eat something sweet every morning - subject + mustn’t + verb + complement
I mustn’t cry when I reminisce my ex-boyfriend - ? Must + subject + verb + complement + ?
Must I work? - ? Wh-word + must + subject + verb + complement + ?
Why must I get up so early?
COULD
(Possibility)
They could choose to hike to a nearby waterfall
They could try rock climbing
(Past Ability)
I could dance salsa all night when I was a kid
I could make a fire
I could speak in public
(Suggestion)
We could gather some wood and make a fire
Could you try to make dessert for dinner tonight
(Potential Outcome)
We could ran out of money
We could get sick
Formula:
- subject + could + verb + complement
I could play baskeball - subject + couldn’t + verb + complement
I couldn’t jump that high
? Could + subject + verb + complement + ?
Could you come to my party?
? Wh-word + could + subject + verb + complement +?
when could you come?
SHOULD
(ADVICE)
You should exercise regularly to maintain good health
You should drink plenty of water if you feel tired during the day
(RECOMMENDATION)
Tourist should visit Atitlan Lake
You should read classic novels to improve your knowledge of English (Moby Dick – Frankenstein – Pride and Prejudice – The Great Gatsby)
(EXPECTATION)
You should wear formal clothing (attire) to a job interview
You should be polite and respectful when meeting someone for the first time
(MORAL OBLIGATION)
You should offer assistance/help if you see someone in need
You should treat your friends and family with respect
Formula:
- subject + should + verb + complement
I should play basketball more - subject + Shouldn’t + verb + complement
I shouldn’t jump that high
? Should + subject + verb + complement + ?
Should I come to your party?
? Wh-word + should + subject + verb + complement +?
When should I visit you?
