Modals of permission and obligation

Modals of permission and obligation

February 8th

PERMISSION

• can --> could

• verb to be + allowed to --> were/was

• may

OBLIGATION

• must (strong obligation) (rules imposed by ourselves)

• have to (strong obligation) (rules imposed by authority) --> had to

• need to (physical neccesity)

• should (light obligation) --> should have + past participle

• ought to (light obligation) --> ought to have + past participle

• be supposed to (light obligation) --> were/was

Prohibition

• mustn't (strong)

• can't (strong) --> couldn't

• not be allowed to (strong) --> was/were

• shouldn't (light) --> shouldn't have + past participle

• ought not to (light) --> ought not to have + past participle

• not be supposed to (light) --> was/were

Not necessary

• don't/ doesn't have to --> didn't

• don't/ doesn't need to --> didn't

• needn't --> needn't have + past participle

• 
  

• 
  

Multiple Select

1. The girls in school aren't very happy with the rule that they___________ wear trousers.

• can't

• don't have to

• aren't allowed to

Multiple Select

2. We all understand the dangers of bullying- the head_______ us such a lecture about it!

• wasn't supposed to give

• didn't need to give

• needn't have given

Multiple Select

3. Sanctions_____ be applied after three unauthorized absences from school if the head teacher considers it necessary.

• can

• may

• must

Multiple Select

4. Darren deserved to be given a detention; he______ such offensive language.

• ought not to have used

• shouldn't have used

• had to use

Multiple Select

5. Disruptive behaviour will result in withdrawal of privileges. Consideration_____ beshown in all areas of school life.

• should

• can

• needs to

Multiple Select

6. The school______ exclude students without sufficient written warning.

• mustn't

• needn't

• isn't allowed to