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shouldn't vs mustn't

Both 'shouldn't' and 'mustn't' are correct, but they convey different meanings. 'Shouldn't' is used to indicate something that is not recommended or advisable, while 'mustn't' is used to indicate something that is prohibited or forbidden.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1110 views

shouldn't

This is a commonly used contraction of 'should not' to indicate something that is not recommended or advisable.

'Shouldn't' is used to express advice, suggestions, or opinions about what is the best course of action in a given situation.

Examples:

You shouldn't eat too much sugar if you want to stay healthy.
She shouldn't be late for the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

And you really shouldn't make threats like that.
The war shouldn't be over.
Daddy shouldn't be like this.
I shouldn't have to go alone.
Obviously seeing something I shouldn't.
It shouldn't cause any more problems.
Mesothelioma shouldn't grow this fast.
Maybe I shouldn't blame them.
Maybe armageddon shouldn't be a secret.
This family shouldn't even be here.
Her dream shouldn't outrank my religious belief.
Because life shouldn't be random.
Her opinion shouldn't affect your life choices.
Government shouldn't operate based on personal favors.
Your vote shouldn't count anyway.
National security shouldn't make you rich.
Parents shouldn't work with kids.
I shouldn't be allowed near people.
Something dead that shouldn't be here.
But it shouldn't compromise anything that's running.

Alternatives:

should not
ought not
had better not
would be wise not to
it is not advisable to

mustn't

This is a correct term used to indicate something that is prohibited or forbidden.

'Mustn't' is used to give a strong prohibition or to emphasize that something is not allowed under any circumstances.

Examples:

You mustn't smoke in this area.
Students mustn't cheat on exams.

Show examples from the web [+]

You mustn't have baby after getting married
You mustn't be sad, Martha.
My journey into eternity mustn't grow distasteful.
She really mustn't know you're going away.
Because they say we mustn't use arms.
We mustn't allow his followers any momentum.
We mustn't advertise our whereabouts.
Quiet... we mustn't wake Uncle.
But you mustn't be recognized by anyone.
Bill mustn't know I've spoken to you.
You mustn't be so self-conscious.
We mustn't be ashamed to believe in hell.
What's between us mustn't be more faking.
You mustn't bite people, Rosie Wu.
You mustn't hurt my mama.
You mustn't tell her anything.
My cousin mustn't know of this duel.
Strict instructions from Edward, we mustn't be late for his parade.
You mustn't be unhappy, Tomas.
Whatever happens to you in this place, you mustn't be ashamed.

Alternatives:

must not
are not allowed to
are prohibited from
are forbidden to
should not

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