Obligations, Prohibitions and something else

Obligations, Prohibitions and something else

Should & Ougth to

Weak obligation is often described in grammar books as the right/ correct thing to do. Weak obligations may come from tradition, custom or culture and may be seen as advice. They are also use to express suggestions, recommendations or even crtics regarding an issue or situation.

Our friend is unwell. We should visit him.

You ought to prepare your bags the night before your flight

Careful there! You're driving. You should pay more attention.

Must

It is used for specific obligations or obligations that are self imposed. This word is used only to express present obligations. To express past or future obligations it is only used "had to" or "will have to".

You must come.

Must I wear this tie?

My tooth is sore. I must go to the dentist.

Have to

it mainly expresses general obligations. It is associated with rules stated by the government, organizations or institutions.

I have to brush my teeth twice a day.

Do I have to wear this tie?

To travel, you have to carry a passport.

Mustn't

This one expresses prohibition. It is consider a strong obligation not to do an action. In this sence, this word can be changed by the expression "notbe allowed". The latest is the one to be used when expressing prohibitons in the past or in future.

You mustn't drive on the sidewalk or across the park.

You mustn't take your cellphone out when in the bank.

You mustn't bring food inside the classroom.

Don't/doesn't have to

This one expresses the absence of obligation or necessity. This gives the idea that a determine way to act is optional and is only under the consideration of the doer.

You don't have to drive if you don't feel like doing it. I can do it for you.

She doesn't have to wear a dress for the party but she would look great in it.

Needn't

It is used to indicate that someone did something,, but it was not necessary nor requested though well received. This form is used only to indicate past events.

You needn't have washed the dishes. I would've put them in the dishwasher.

You needn't have prepared all that food. They phoned to say they wouldn't be coming.

Time to practice

Pay attention to the following sentences and choose the idea they're transmiting.

Multiple Choice

You _________ apologise; it isn't necessary.

• must

• have to

• should

• don't have to

• mustn't

Multiple Choice

You ________ tell the boss what happened, or he'll fire you.

• mustn't

• don't have to

• needn't have to

Multiple Choice

I __________ wear a tie; I do it because I like wearing ties.

• mustn't

• don't have to

• needn't have to

Multiple Choice

You ________ smoke in here; smoking is not allowed.

• mustn't

• needn't have to

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

I _________ be late. It's the most important meeting of the year.

• don't have to be

• mustn't

• should't

Multiple Choice

You ______ go now; you can stay a bit longer.

• have to

• must

• mustn't

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

Visitors to the zoo _______ keep away from the cages and don't disturb the animals.

• must

• have to

• should

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

You _______ drive so fast; we have a lot of time.

• shouldn't

• mustn't

• needn't have to

Multiple Choice

We ________ cook more; there's enough food

• mustn't

• should

• don't have to

Multiple Choice

You _______ put salt in her food; the doctor said she can't eat salt or she'll die.

• mustn't

• don't have to

• shouldn't

Multiple Choice

You mustn't make noise in this area.

• obligation

• prohibition

• necessity

• suggestion

Multiple Choice

You must put the rubbish into the bin.

• obligation

• suggestion

• necessity

• lack of obligation

Multiple Choice

You don't have to wear your uniform tomorrow.

• obligation

• necessity

• prohibition

• lackof obligation

Multiple Choice

You shouldn't play video games during the vritual class. You're gonna learn nothing.

• obligation

• lack of obligation

• prohibition

• suggestion

Multiple Choice

You mustn't cross the street when the light is red.

• necessity

• prohibition

• obligation

• suggestion

Multiple Choice

I need you to come to the park and pick me up.

• obligation

• lack of obligation

• necessity

• lack of necessity

Multiple Choice

You needn't have to buy a present for my sister but she will really love it.

• obligation

• prohibition

• suggestoin

• lack of necessity

Now you are ready for the test

A zero is waiting for you :)