The modal verb must is used for many expressions.
Examples:
- She must smile more often. (Suggestion)
- You must bring along an umbrella. It’s going to rain. (Command/Advice)
- She has been talking for so long her mouth must be very dry now. (Opinion)
- All of you must come over for the tea party next weekend. (Invitation)
- I haven’t eaten a pear for a long while. I must pluck one from my neighbour’s tree. (Desire)
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We have a pond, so we must keep some ducks. (Insistence)
Must is used to show something is required.
Examples:
- You must sign the visitor book.
- All applicants must fill in all the pink forms.
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We must stop at the library to return the books.
Must is used to show something is necessary.
Examples:
- You must follow the step-by-step instructions.
- This big fat woman must do 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.
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You must see the doctor about that lump on your neck.
Must is used to show something is required by a rule or law.
Examples:
- All passengers must gather here fifteen minutes before departure.
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You must obey the rules and not bring your pet monkey here.
Must is used to show something that is very likely or possible.
Examples:
- They must be arriving soon.
- It must be almost one hundred people in that long queue.
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He must be the skinniest member of his family.
Must is used to emphasize a statement.
Examples:
- I must say that big man was a real coward. (Emphasis)
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You must admit you are wrong and they are right.
Must is used in questions to express annoyance or anger.
Examples:
- Must you two visit the toilet so many times?
- Why must you always say I’m wasting my time watching television?
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Must you always be as stubborn as a mule?
We use had to not must to express obligation and necessity in the past.
Examples:
- Yes: I didn't pass my exam, and had to sit it again.
No: I didn't pass my exam, and must sit it again. - Yes: Yesterday, we had to take a taxi home when the rain began to fall.
No: Yesterday, we must take a taxi home whent the rain began to fall.
Must is used for a future action in the past.
Examples:
- It was still a long way to go, but we knew we must arrive in the city before it got dark.
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The police had no leads in the case, but they must carry on investigating into the woman’s murder