Ask the Editor
Question
Why should I have to do this?
Answer
Question
Debaashish in India asked: What's the difference between "Why should I do this?" and "Why should I have to do this?"
Answer
The difference between these two questions has to do with the meanings of the two modal expressions should and have to.
- Should is used to give advice. It means that something is the appropriate, reasonable, or best thing to do.
- Have to is used with rules and orders. It is stronger than should, and it means “must, or be required to.”
Therefore, the first sentence (“Why should I do this?”) means “Why is this best thing for me to do?” or “What good reason is there for me to do this?”
And the second sentence ("Why should I have to do this?") means “What good reason is there for me to be required to do this?”
I hope this helps.
Archive
You can read more articles in the
archive.