Must vs Should

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Must	Should
Meaning	Something that is necessary or very important.	used to tell someone what is the right thing to do
CEFR level	A1	A1
Usage notes	Use 'must' when giving strong advice or making strong recommendations. Avoid using it in casual conversations where 'should' might be more appropriate.	Use 'should' for advice, suggestions, or expectations. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid it in very formal contexts where 'ought to' might be preferred.

Frequently asked questions: Must vs Should

What's the difference between "Must" and "Should"?

"Must" means: Something that is necessary or very important. "Should" means: used to tell someone what is the right thing to do

When should I use "Must" and "Should"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Must" and "Should" the same CEFR level?

"Must" is at A1, "Should" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.