Know Your English (Sep 2001)

Know your English

What is the difference between ``should'' and ``must"?

When you tell someone that he should do something, you are advising him to do it. You are not ordering him to do something; you are merely asking him to consider the possibility. It is a request; you are merely suggesting to the individual that it would be a good idea if he were to do it. Here are a few examples.
You should brush your teeth every day before going to bed.
Mohan should work harder.
I think the old rules should be revised.
The word ``must'' is normally used when you wish to order someone. You are no longer requesting, or suggesting, you are telling the person what to do. When a person is told that he ``should'' brush his teeth, he has a choice; he can either follow your advice, or he can ignore it completely. In the case of ``must", the person has no option. He has to brush his teeth. Here are a few examples.
If you want to get through your exams, you must work harder.
I am telling you that you must not marry that girl.
The Chairman said that we must work on Sunday.


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, September 25, 2001