Word: Must

Pronunciation

/mʌst/

Definitions

• Modal Verb: Expressing necessity, obligation, or strong recommendation. It’s used to indicate that something is required or should happen. For example: “You must study hard if you want to pass the exam.”

  Example Sentence: “In order to drive legally, you must have a valid driver’s license.”

• Auxiliary Verb: Forms the future tense when combined with other verbs to indicate a prediction based on logical assumption or deduction. For example: “It must be raining; I can hear thunder.”

  Example Sentence: “The keys must be on the table; that’s where I usually leave them.”

• Adjective: (chiefly in compounds like ‘must-do,’ ‘must-see’) Referring to something considered essential or highly recommended. For instance, “The Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction in Paris.”

Phrases

• “Must-have”: Describing something regarded as essential or very desirable to own or experience.
• “You must be joking”: An expression used to show disbelief or incredulity at what someone has just said.
• “If it must be done, do it well”: This proverb suggests that when there’s a task one is obliged to perform, they should strive to complete it to the best of their abilities.

Example Sentences

• Modal Verb: “Everyone who attends the meeting must sign the attendance sheet.”
• Auxiliary Verb: “This time tomorrow, we must be leaving for our holiday.”
• Adjective: “The city tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting New York City for the first time.”

Synonyms

• Need to
• Have to
• Ought to
• Should
• Be required to
• Be obliged to
• Be compelled to