Episode 28: You Must Be Brave

must/mustn’t: obligation & prohibition – Winston Churchill, 1940 (A1-A2)

Grammar Box

Meaning: Must shows strong obligation or necessity (you have to do it). Mustn’t shows prohibition (you cannot do it). Both are very strong.

Form: must/mustn’t + base verb (I/you/he/she/it/we/they must/mustn’t + verb)

Example 1: You must stop at red lights. (strong rule)

Example 2: You mustn’t smoke here. (prohibition)

Common mistake: Wrong: I must to go. Better: I must go.

The Question

Luna read a sign: “You must wash your hands.” She wondered, “Why ‘must’? Why not ‘should’?” The watch glowed bright. Professor Wisdom appeared. “Let’s hear the most important speech of a generation.”

The Journey

London, England. May 1940. Bombs fell from the sky every night. Nazi Germany was winning the war. France was falling. Britain stood alone. People were afraid. They needed hope. They needed a leader. Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. He was 65 years old. He was short and heavy. He smoked cigars. He spoke with a lisp. But his words could move mountains.

This moment mattered. Britain could surrender. Or Britain could fight. Churchill had to choose the nation’s future. Many leaders before him failed. Many wanted peace with Hitler. But Churchill knew the truth. Freedom costs everything. Weakness invites evil. He spent his whole life preparing for this moment. Now it was here.

Churchill stood before Parliament. The room was silent. The air felt heavy. Everyone waited. Churchill looked at tired faces. He took a breath. Then he spoke. “We must fight on the beaches. We must fight on the landing grounds. We must fight in the fields and in the streets. We must never surrender.” His voice was strong. His words were clear. People felt their fear change to courage. The smell of old books and wood filled the room. But Churchill’s words smelled like steel and hope.

He didn’t say “we should fight.” He said “we must fight.” There was no other choice. Britain listened. Britain fought. Britain survived.

The Insight

“Did you hear the power?” Professor Wisdom asked. “Churchill said ‘must,’ not ‘should.’ ‘Must’ is stronger. It means no choice. It’s necessary. You have to do it. We also use ‘mustn’t’ for things you cannot do. Like ‘You mustn’t give up.’ It’s a prohibition. Very strong.”

“Must” shows duty, obligation, or strong necessity. It’s the voice of courage and rules.

Practice Zone

More Examples:

1. “You must be 18 to vote.” – strong rule
2. “Students must wear uniforms.” – school requirement
3. “We mustn’t be late for the meeting.” – prohibition
4. “I must finish this work today.” – personal obligation
5. “You mustn’t touch that! It’s hot!” – warning
6. “Everyone must follow the law.” – social duty

Exercises:

1. Fill in the blank: “You _____ drive carefully in the rain. It’s very dangerous.” (must/should)

2. Choose the correct:
   a) I must to study tonight.
   b) I must study tonight.

3. Must or mustn’t?
   – You _ smoke in the hospital.
   – You listen to your doctor.
   – Children __ play with fire.

4. Complete: “In my country, you must _ before you ___.”

5. Your turn: Write one rule for your home or school using “must” or “mustn’t.”

Answer Key:

1. must (stronger than “should” – it’s necessary for safety)
2. b) I must study tonight. (No “to” after “must”)
3. mustn’t / must / mustn’t
4. Example: “In my country, you must be 16 before you can drive.” or “You must take off shoes before you enter the house.”
5. Check: Did you use “must” for obligation or “mustn’t” for prohibition? Example: “Students must raise their hand before speaking.” or “You mustn’t run in the hallway.”

The Lesson

Luna stood taller. “Sometimes there’s no other choice.” Professor Wisdom nodded. “Exactly. Churchill understood that. When something truly matters, ‘must’ is the only word.”