The Rainy Day Debate: More Lessons on English Modals

The rain was pouring now, tapping gently on the windows of The Grammar Grind café. Inside, the warm aroma of roasted beans wrapped around Raka and Nina like a familiar blanket.

After last week’s lively lesson on can, could, and may, Nina had returned with another cup of hot chocolate—and more questions.

“Raka, my teacher gave us must, should, and might this time. I know they’re modals too, but they all sound like they’re giving advice. What’s the difference?”

Raka leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile on his face.

“Ah... those three? They’re like three friends with very different personalities—one strict, one caring, and one uncertain. Let me introduce you.”

He pulled out another napkin.

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Chapter 1: Must – The Strict One

Raka wrote MUST in bold letters.

“Must expresses strong obligation, necessity, or logical conclusion. It’s the strict one—it doesn’t give you many options.”

Examples:

• You must wear a seatbelt. (It’s the law!)

• I must finish this report today.

• That must be his car—it’s the only red one here.

“It’s like a rule,” Raka said firmly. “When someone says must, they mean there’s no wiggle room. It’s either a duty, a rule, or something that seems obviously true.”

Nina widened her eyes. “So must is like a teacher who’s already marked your name absent if you're one minute late?”

“Exactly,” Raka laughed.

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Chapter 2: Should – The Caring One

Next, he wrote SHOULD, underlined gently.

“Should is more about advice, recommendation, or expectation. It’s softer than must, and feels more like a suggestion from someone who cares.”

Examples:

• You should eat more vegetables.

• He should be home by now.

• You shouldn't speak to her like that.

“Should is like a wise friend. It gives you guidance, but doesn’t force you,” Raka said.

Nina sipped her chocolate and nodded. “So if I say You should study, I’m being helpful—but not bossy?”

“Exactly. That’s the tone of should—kind, but firm.”

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Chapter 3: Might – The Hesitant Dreamer

Finally, he wrote MIGHT, with a small question mark beside it.

“Might is used for possibility, especially when you’re unsure. It’s not strong. It’s that voice in your head that whispers, ‘Maybe... just maybe.’”

Examples:

• It might rain later.

• She might come to the party.

• I might try sushi tonight.

“It’s perfect when you don’t want to make promises,” Raka explained. “You’re leaving room for doubt.”

Nina giggled. “So might is the flaky friend who says ‘I might show up’ and then doesn’t?”

“That’s one way to remember it!” Raka laughed.

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The Power of Modals in Real Life

Raka leaned in with a serious tone.

“What’s beautiful about these modals is that they don’t just carry meaning, they carry emotion. Tone. Attitude.”

He wrote:

Modal	Function	Feeling
Must	Obligation/necessity	Strong, strict
Should	Advice/expectation	Caring, guiding
Might	Possibility	Uncertain, soft, hopeful

“Choose the wrong one, and people may misunderstand your message,” he added. “But when you pick the right one—you sound natural, clear, and even thoughtful.”

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Final Scene: Lessons That Stick

Nina packed her books, feeling smarter and warmer than before.

“Raka, these modals are like people. They have personalities. Maybe that’s why they’re so tricky.”

Raka stood up, pushing his chair back.

“Language is people, Nina. The way we speak is how we show who we are.”

And with that, they stepped outside into the rain, each drop a gentle echo of words yet to be learned.

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Final Note:
Whether you’re giving advice (should), stating a rule (must), or wondering about the future (might), modals help you shape meaning with precision. Learn their voices, and your English will never be the same.