MUST, SHOULD, HAVE TO - Quando usar / Diferenças - Aula de inglês

Summary

In this video, Fernanda from the Let's Go English channel explains the differences and uses of the modal verbs 'must' and 'should,' along with the related expression 'have to.' She clarifies that 'must' expresses obligation, duty, or prohibition, while 'should' is used for advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Fernanda highlights key distinctions, including usage in negative sentences and past tense, and provides multiple practical examples to illustrate each case. The video offers a clear, step-by-step guide to understanding these modal verbs, helping learners confidently apply them in everyday English communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Must' and 'should' are modal verbs in English with similar meanings but different uses.
• 😀 Modal verbs help the main verb in a sentence, expressing obligation, necessity, possibility, or advice.
• 😀 'Must' indicates duty, obligation, or a strong necessity, similar to 'have to'.
• 😀 Example: 'All drivers must obey traffic signs.' — This shows a clear obligation.
• 😀 In negative form, 'must not' expresses prohibition or something you cannot do under any circumstance.
• 😀 'Should' indicates possibility, recommendation, suggestion, or advice, not obligation.
• 😀 Example: 'He should wear a helmet.' — This is advice, not a requirement.
• 😀 Negative 'should not' or 'shouldn't' expresses advice against doing something, not a strict prohibition.
• 😀 'Have to' is used for duties or obligations in the past, present, or future, unlike 'must', which is not used in the past.
• 😀 Difference in negatives: 'must not' = obligation not to do something; 'don't have to' = optional, not required.
• 😀 Both 'must' and 'should' share many common characteristics of modal verbs, but 'must' is stronger and 'should' is more flexible.
• 😀 Understanding the nuances between 'must', 'should', and 'have to' is key to mastering English modal verbs.
• 😀 The video encourages watching additional content to fully grasp modal verbs and their common characteristics.

Q & A

What is a modal verb?

A modal verb is a type of verb that helps the main verb in a sentence express necessity, obligation, possibility, or advice. Examples include must, should, and have to.

What does the modal verb 'must' express?

'Must' expresses obligation, necessity, or an order. It indicates something that is required or mandatory.

Can 'must' be used in negative sentences, and if so, what does it mean?

Yes, 'must' can be used in negative sentences, such as 'must not' or 'mustn't.' In this case, it indicates prohibition or that something is forbidden.

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

'Must' indicates a strong obligation or duty, while 'should' is used to give advice, suggestions, or recommendations. 'Should' does not express obligation.

Give an example of 'should' used in an affirmative sentence.

He should wear a helmet. This suggests a recommendation for safety but is not an obligation.

How is the negative form of 'should' used?

The negative form 'shouldn't' is used to indicate something that is not recommended or advisable, e.g., 'You shouldn't drive if you're tired.'

How does 'have to' differ from 'must' in terms of past tense usage?

'Have to' can be used in the past tense ('had to'), while 'must' is not used in the past. For example, 'I had to stay late last night.'

What does the negative form of 'have to' indicate?

The negative form, 'don't have to,' indicates that something is optional or not necessary. For example, 'You don't have to eat your food' means it is not required.

Can 'must' be abbreviated in speech?

No, 'must' is rarely abbreviated in speech, unlike 'should,' which is commonly contracted to 'shouldn't.'

In what situations should you prefer 'should' over 'must'?

'Should' should be used when giving advice, suggestions, or recommendations where there is no strict obligation, e.g., 'You should forgive your neighbor.'

What is the main takeaway regarding the use of modals from the video?

The key takeaway is that 'must' expresses obligation, 'should' gives suggestions or advice, and 'have to' expresses obligation but can be used in the past tense. Understanding these differences helps convey meaning accurately in English.