Expressing Permission, Obligation and Prohibition

Expressing Obligation, Permission and Prohibition

​Let us pray. 

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​Choose the correct answer from the choices given.

Multiple Choice

_______ are special verbs that are different from normal verbs.

• modals

• modifiers

Multiple Choice

They are _________and are always followed by a principal verb.

• never used alone

• always used alone

Multiple Choice

They provide _______ information about the principal verb.

• less

• additional

Poll

They are used to express ______. 

• certainty

• possibility

• willingness

• obligation

• necessity

Expressing Obligation, Permission and Prohibition

Expressing Obligation

Obligation expresses commitment or duty. Modals used in expressing obligation include have to (has to) and must.

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​a. Has/Have to is used when obligation comes not from the speaker. The obligation is set by an authority, rule or law. The sentences are more situational.

Examples: I have to be in the airport before the flight departure.

The company has to pay retrenchment benefits to its employees.

Based on the photo, come up with your sentence using the modal have/has to.

b. Must is used when expressing obligation comes from the speaker or from an authority. The obligation comes from you and your feelings.

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Examples: I must call my husband now.

We must finish the report on time.

I must stay away from them.

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Based on the photo, come up with your sentence using the modal must.

​ESL Tips

​It's rare to use "must" to talk about obligations in spoken English. Native speakers use "HAVE TO" more in a conversation. However, you can use must to talk about obligations in WRITTEN or FORMAL obligations.

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Using must to talk about obligations can sound very formal and strange in spoken English.

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​Example:

​- All passengers must have a valid ticket.

​- Candidates must arrive no later than 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

Expressing No Obligation

No obligation expresses the absence of commitment or duty as one may do it or not. Don’t (doesn’t) have to is used to express no obligation.

Examples: She doesn’t have to attend the funeral if she is not feeling well.

You don’t have to come to my office in person. You may submit it online.

The employees don’t have to come this morning as the activity will start in the afternoon.

DON'T HAVE TO

​is used when something is not necessary. You can choose to do something or not. It's your choice.

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​Example:

​You don't have to be here before ten.

​You don't have to finish it today.

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​this is common in both spoken and written English.

Can you give me an advice?

Expressing Permission

Permission is an act of giving consent or authorization. In stating permission, modals to be used include can, could and may.

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Fill in the Blank

Ma'am/ Sir, ______ use the restroom?

CAN

is used to ask for and give permission.

Examples: Can you give me your number?

Can you help me with this?

I can do it if you want me to.

COULD

is also used as a more polite and more formal modal in asking permis-sion (which may not be given).

I could possibly ask my mom to cook it for us.

Could I interview the mayor?

Could you lend me your book?

MAY

is the most polite and formal modal used in asking and giving permission.

Examples: Medical practitioners affected by COVID-19 may now claim their financial support from the government.

Teachers may now distribute the modules to the learners.

May I borrow your book, please?

Imagine you are a receptionist.

Expressing Prohibition

Prohibition is the act of disallowing or prohibiting someone in performing or doing something. Modals showing prohibition include can’t and must not/mustn’t.

MUSTN'T/ MUST NOT

is used in dealing with something that is not permitted -- something is forbidden. You are not allowed to do this.

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Examples: Visitors must not touch the paintings in the museum.

Salome must not tell my secrets to her friends.

​Passengers must not talk to the driver while the bus is moving.

CAN'T/ CANNOT

is used in dealing with something against rules, laws and signs. In spoken English, it's more common to use can't.

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Examples: You might see a sign saying:

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​"Mobile phones must not be used while driving"

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​But if you were talking, you'd probably say:

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​You can't use your mobile phone while you're driving

Complete the dialogue by supplying phrases or modals + verbs expressing permission, obligation or prohibition which-ever is necessary.

Multiple Choice

You ___ come to the meeting but it would help us all if you’re there

• mustn't

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

I can’t get a connection on my phone. ___ I borrow yours?

• can

• May

Multiple Choice

The rules say that you ___ only invite one guest to the club.

• must

• have to 

Multiple Choice

I ___ stay on for a few hours because I’ll work late today than over the weekend.

• have to

• must

Multiple Choice

There’s a lot of noise coming from outside. ___ I close the window?

• Can

• May

Multiple Choice

You ___ start saving money if you want to retire early.

• have to

• must

Multiple Choice

Did they tell you that you ___ come into this area. It’s restricted to staff only.

• can't

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

We ___ be there fifteen minutes before the concert starts.

• have to

• must

Multiple Choice

You ______________ call me as soon as you arrived. I will very worried if you don´t do it!

• must

• have to

Multiple Choice

You _________ go to the ceremony if you don't feel like it. It'll be very boring anyway.

• don't have to

• mustn't 

​You can now raise your questions/ clarifications.

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​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InCdPzd2hDw

​Let's watch.