meaning - "Should" vs "have to"



Consider:



You should do it.


You have to do it.



Does should show suggestion and have to show compulsion or motivation?



Answer



You are correct...




  • "Should" is suggestive: It's most likely also optional (e.g., "you should use an umbrella when you walk in the rain, or you might get a little bit wet"), although if it were tied to a serious consequence then the "required" sentiment would be implied (sometimes a wife will give her husband a hint in this manner, but when he hears it he may recognize that it really isn't optional).




  • "Have to" is a requirement: It's not optional, and any motivation may be tied to some consequence of not doing what one has to do (e.g., "you have to breath or you will not survive").




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