must

//mʌst//

Verbs
A2

Translation

must

Definition

Must is a modal verb used to express necessity, obligation, or strong recommendation. It indicates that something is required or essential, often based on rules, logic, or personal conviction. For example, in 'You must finish your homework before playing,' must conveys a requirement. This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to stress importance or inevitability. Note that must can also express logical deduction, as in 'It must be raining outside,' but for teaching purposes, we focus on its core meaning of obligation.

Example

  • You must wear a seatbelt while driving.

  • Students must complete the assignment by Friday.

  • I must call my mother tonight.

  • We must leave now to catch the train.

  • You must see that movie; it's amazing.

  • He must take his medicine every day.

  • All visitors must sign in at the front desk.

  • You must not smoke in this building.

  • She must study harder to pass the exam.

  • We must respect each other's opinions.

Synonyms

have to
need to
ought to
should
be required to

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