Pronunciation: /mʌst/

Definitions of must

noun A requirement or necessity

Example Sentences

A1 In this exercise, you must follow the instructions carefully.

A2 Students at this level must be able to introduce themselves in English.

B1 Candidates must bring their identification documents to the exam.

B2 Employees must attend the mandatory training session next week.

C1 Professionals at this level must have a deep understanding of the industry.

C2 CEOs must make critical decisions that impact the company's future.

verb Expressing necessity or obligation

Example Sentences

A1 You must eat your vegetables before you can have dessert.

A2 Students must study for their exams in order to do well.

B1 Employees must attend the mandatory training session next week.

B2 Drivers must obey traffic laws to avoid accidents.

C1 Individuals must take responsibility for their actions.

C2 Doctors must follow strict protocols when performing surgeries.

Examples of must in a Sentence

formal In order to pass the exam, students must study diligently.

informal You must try this new restaurant, the food is amazing!

slang I must say, that party was lit last night.

figurative To truly understand the meaning of the poem, one must read between the lines.

Grammatical Forms of must

past tense

had to

plural

musts

comparative

more must

superlative

most must

present tense

must

future tense

will must

perfect tense

have musted

continuous tense

must be

singular

must

positive degree

must

infinitive

to must

gerund

musting

participle

musted

Origin and Evolution of must

First Known Use: 1200 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'must' originated from the Old English word 'mōste' which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'mōtanan'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to indicate obligation or necessity, the word 'must' has evolved to also convey strong recommendation or likelihood in modern English.