This document discusses the differences between the terms "must", "have to", and "should". "Must" and "have to" both refer to obligations, but "must" is used for personal obligations involving feelings, while "have to" refers to obligations imposed by others. "Should" is used to give advice rather than impose an obligation. Several examples are provided to illustrate the appropriate uses of each term. Participants are then asked to practice choosing the right term to complete sample sentences. The document concludes by noting that "must" is more appropriate for written communication while people often use "have to" in speech.

1. Lunch & Learn
“Must”, “have to”, or “should”?

2. What’s the difference between the
following 3 sentences?
QUESTION

3. 1. I must make breakfast for the kids before
they leave for school.
2. You have to work tomorrow, or you will
get fired!
3. You should buy a new car.

4. Sentence 1 and 2 refer to obligations.
Sentence 3 is used to give advice.
ANSWER

5. The following 2 sentences both refer
to obligations, but is there a
difference?
QUESTIO
N
1. I must make breakfast for the kids before they leave
for school.
2. You have to work tomorrow, or you will get fired!

6. Must is used more for obligations of a
personal nature that involves your
feelings.
Have to refers to an obligation that
was placed upon you by someone
else.
ANSWER

7. Examples using must
I really must visit you one day soon.
I must start getting more sleep.
I must start trying to save more
money.

8. Examples using “have to.”
They have to work late every Friday.
She has to start doing her
homework.
We have to wash the dishes after
supper.

9. Examples using “should”
They should start eating more
vegetables.
She should take voice lessons.
You should learn to change the oil in
your car.

10. Time to practise!
• Choose must ,have to or
should to complete each of the
following sentences.

11. You _________ get more
exercise. It will help you feel
better.
1. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

12. You should get more exercise. It
will help you feel better.
1. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

13. I _________ help you with
that.
2. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

14. I must help you with that.
2. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

15. You _________ pay your parking
ticket.
3. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

16. You have to pay your parking
ticket.
3. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

17. They _______ show their receipt
if they want a refund.
4. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

18. They have to show their receipt if
they want a refund.
4. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

19. You _______ go to bed earlier.
5. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

20. You should go to bed earlier.
5. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

21. I ________ visit my best friend in
the hospital.
6. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

22. I must visit my best friend in the
hospital.
6. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

23. You ___________ read more
books. This will help you
improve your vocabulary.
7. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

24. You should read more books.
This will help you improve your
vocabulary.
7. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

25. If I am sick I _________ call my
work and let them know
8. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

26. If I am sick I have to call my work
and let them know
8. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

27. My mother is sick. I _________
take her to the hospital.
9. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

28. My mother is sick. I must take
her to the hospital.
9. “Must”, “have to” or “should”

29. If you were at fault, you
________ call your friend and
apologize.
10. “Must”, “have to” or
“should”

30. If you were at fault, you should
call your friend and apologize.
10. “Must”, “have to” or
“should”

31. We have seen that there is a small
difference in meaning between
must and have to.
Note:

32. We have seen that there is a small
difference in meaning between
must and have to.
Note:
However, when speaking, it is
common for people to use have to
even when must is more
appropriate.

33. Must is usually used in written
communication.
Note:

34. 1. All visitors must report to the
office.
Examples:
2. Passengers must stay seated
while the aircraft is taking off or
landing.
3. You must retain this receipt for
proof of purchase.

35. Homework!
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Go to the
forum and
answer our
forum question
on this topic.

36. Questions?
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37. Thank you for attending!
See you next time!
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