The Complete Guide to “Must Be” Modal Verbs: Usage, Rules & Examples

Introduction to “Must Be”

The modal verb construction “must be” is a powerful expression in English used to convey strong certainty, logical deductions, and necessity. Unlike “might be” or “could be,” “must be” indicates near certainty (95-100%) or strong obligation. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, grammatical rules, usage with Hindi translations, and practice exercises.


Table of Contents

  1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Must Be”
  2. Grammatical Structures & Sentence Patterns
  3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations
  4. “Must Be” vs Similar Modal Verbs
  5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
  6. Practice Exercises (Test Yourself)
  7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Must Be”

“Must be” is used to express:

  • Logical Certainty (तार्किक निश्चितता)
    Example: She must be tired after working all day. (वह पूरा दिन काम करने के बाद थकी हुई होगी।)
  • Strong Necessity (मजबूत आवश्यकता)
    Example: You must be quiet in the library. (आपको पुस्तकालय में शांत रहना चाहिए।)
  • Deductions (अनुमान)
    Example: The lights are off – they must be sleeping. (लाइटें बंद हैं – वे सो रहे होंगे।)

2. Grammatical Structures

Sentence Formation Rules

Sentence TypeStructureExampleHindi Translation
AffirmativeSubject + must be + adjective/noun/present participleHe must be joking.वह मजाक कर रहा होगा।
NegativeSubject + must not be (mustn’t be) + adjective/nounYou mustn’t be late.आपको देर नहीं करनी चाहिए।
InterrogativeMust + subject + be + adjective/noun?Must we be present?क्या हमें उपस्थित रहना चाहिए?

3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.NoEnglish ExampleHindi Translation
1You must be 18 to watch this film.इस फिल्म को देखने के लिए आपकी उम्र 18 होनी चाहिए।
2She must be at home – her car is here.वह घर पर ही होगी – उसकी कार यहाँ है।
3This must be your first visit to Delhi.यह आपकी दिल्ली की पहली यात्रा होगी।
4Students must be in uniform.छात्रों को यूनिफॉर्म में होना चाहिए।
5It must be difficult to work night shifts.नाइट शिफ्ट में काम करना मुश्किल होगा।
6Must all documents be submitted today?क्या सभी दस्तावेज आज जमा करने होंगे?
7The food must be kept refrigerated.भोजन को फ्रिज में रखना चाहिए।
8He must be the new manager.वह नया प्रबंधक होगा।
9Visitors must be accompanied by staff.आगंतुकों को स्टाफ के साथ होना चाहिए।
10This must be a mistake.यह गलती होगी।

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incorrect: She must be comes early.
✅ Correct: She must be coming early.

❌ Incorrect: Must be we ready by 8?
✅ Correct: Must we be ready by 8?

❌ Incorrect: The door must be lock at night.
✅ Correct: The door must be locked at night.


5. Practice Exercises

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. All passengers __________ seated during takeoff.
  2. She’s not answering – she __________ in a meeting.
  3. __________ all applications be typed?
  4. You __________ 21 to enter this club.
  5. The keys __________ in the drawer – I left them there.

Section 2: Hindi to English Translation

  1. आपको रिपोर्ट कल तक जमा करनी होगी।
  2. वह जरूर बहुत थका हुआ होगा।
  3. क्या हमें पासपोर्ट लाना होगा?
  4. यह बहुत महत्वपूर्ण होगा।
  5. दवा हर 8 घंटे में लेनी होगी।

Section 3: Error Correction

  1. The package must be deliver by Monday.
  2. Must be we present at the meeting?
  3. He must be works late tonight.
  4. All bags must be check at security.
  5. She must be very tiring after the trip.

6. Conclusion

Mastering “must be” is essential for expressing strong certainty and necessity in English. Remember:

  • Use for logical deductions and obligations
  • Follow correct verb forms after “must be”
  • Practice distinguishing from similar modals

For clarification on any examples, ask in the comments! 💬

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