MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

Have to / don't have to.

• We use have to to talk about things which are obligatory or necessary. It often describes obligations imposed on us

  by other people and authorities.

• I have to do something = it is necessary to do it, I am obliged to do it:

  - You can’t turn right here. You have to turn left .

  - I have to wear glasses for reading.

  - Robert can’t come out with us this evening. He has to work late.

  - Last week Tina broke her arm and had to go to hospital.

You don’t have to do something = you don’t need to do it (but you can if you want):

You don’t have to come with me. I can go alone.

I don’t have to be at the meeting, but I’m going anyway.

Must / must'nt

• We use must to talk about rules, regulations, and obligations. It often describes obligations that come internally, from ourselves.

  - I must remember to take my ID

• We use must in WRITTEN rules and instructions:

  - Applications for the job must be received by 18 May.

  - Seat belts must be worn.

• We use mustn’t to talk about prohibitions. - In football you mustn’t touch the ball with your hands.  -

Multiple Choice

You _____ do something to solve this problem. (the obligation comes from the opinion of the speaker; it's not an external obligation.)

• have to

• had to

• must

Multiple Choice

I don't like these clothes, but I _____ wear them at work.

• must

• have to

Multiple Choice

Teacher: 'You _____ arrive on time for class.'

(the obligation comes from the speaker; it’s not an external obligation.)

• must

• mustn't

• have to

Multiple Choice

_____ pay for the car repair or did the insurance cover it?

• Did you have to...

• Had you to....

• Did you must...

Multiple Choice

We ______ leave now; it's 10 and the conference doesn't start until 12.

• haven't to

• don't have to

• mustn't

• must

Multiple Choice

The doctor has put me on a strict diet. I _____ eat more fruit and vegetables and do more exercise.

(the obligation is external)

• must

• have to

Multiple Choice

I _____ leave early because I wasn't feeling well.

• had to

• must

• have to

Should, shouldn’t, ought to, had (‘d) better

• Should/ ought to are used to give advice or an opinion about what we think is right or wrong. Ought to has the same meaning as should, although it is more formal and not as common.

  - You ought to go to a therapist. - You ought not to be so strict with your daughter

  - I think schools shouldn’t offer soft drinks to their students. - You look tired. You should go to bed.

• You should do something = it is a good thing to do or the right thing to do.

• You shouldn’t do something = it isn’t a good thing to do:

  You shouldn’t believe everything you read in newspapers.

had better (I’d better / you’d better etc.)

I’d better do something = it is advisable to do it. If I don’t do it, there will be a problem or a danger:

-We’d better stop for petrol soon. The tank is almost empty.

The negative is I’d better not

Multiple Choice

It's a great town. You _______ visit it some day.

• should

• had better

Multiple Choice

The airline only allows two pieces of luggage. You _________________ pack too much or you will have to take it out at the airport!

• better not

• had better not

• had not better

Multiple Choice

A: I think that the grade my teacher gave me on my test is wrong.

B: Really? You ______________ to her after class today.

• ought talk

• should to talk

• ought to talk

Multiple Choice

I need help, doctor. My baby doesn't sleep well. What ________________ ?

• should I do

• I should do

• had I better do

Multiple Choice

Dave loves chocolate, but he _________________ too much or he will get fat.

• should eat

• shouldn't eat

• should eat not

Multiple Select

My mother isn't feeling well, so I told her that she _______________ to the doctor.

• ought go

• ought to go

• should go