Modals- Should/shouldn't/must/mustn't

Modals- Should/shouldn't

Must/mustn't

To express obligation (something you have to do)

You should read the notes carefully.

You shouldn't have a problem doing the quiz.

Should/shouldn't

• Used to give advice or recommendations

• Considered as mild obligation or advice

• Example A: You should save some money.

• Example B: You shouldn't wake up late in the morning.

Using should/shouldn't

• affirmative: You should tell someone about the problem.

• negative: You shouldn't forward nasty messages.

• question: Should you reply?

• short answer: Yes, you should./No. you shouldn't.

Using must/mustn't

• affirmative: They must stop fighting.

• negative: You mustn't deal with the problem alone.

• question: Must I tell my friends?

• short answer: Yes, you must./No, you mustn't.

EXERCISE A

Complete the sentences with should or shouldn't.

Exercise B

Write the questions using should to ask for advice.

Example: I/get/new/phone

Answer: Should I get a new phone?

You must practice using English every day.

You mustn't give up.

Must/mustn't

• Used to express strong obligation (possibly based on the speaker's opinion) ;-)

• Examples:

• For mothers- You must study. You mustn't sleep all day long.

• For teens: I must finish playing this level. You mustn't be concerned- exams are next year!

Exercise C

Rewrite the sentences with must or mustn't

Examples: Do the exercise with care.

Don't forget to check your spelling.

Answers: You must do the exercise with care.

You mustn't forget to check your spelling.

Exercise D

Study the sentences. Which sentence is an obligation (something you have to do) and which one is a piece of advice?

Multiple Select

He should eat less food.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

They must wear a school uniform.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

We need to finish this before Mom comes home. You should hurry up.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

They should get ready for their PT3 exams from now on.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

The soup is piping hot. You should wait for it to cool down a bit.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

They must register before they could take their online exam.

• Obligation

• Advice

Multiple Select

Hannah should learn how to cook.

• Obligation

• Advice

Doing okay so far? Only 5 questions left. ;-)

Exercise E

Fill in the blanks using should, shouldn't, must or mustn't.

.....and we're done!

:-)