Legal English: Modals

Legal English: Modals

have to/must/should

Modals

Read the sentences and choose the correct meaning of the underlined word. 

Multiple Choice

A good lawyer must be compassionate.

• It's a good idea.

• It's necessary.

Multiple Choice

As a lawyer you shouldn't believe everything people say.

• It’s not necessary

• it’s not a good idea

Multiple Choice

An attorney should always give his client the benefit of the doubt.

• It’s necessary.

• It’s a good idea

Multiple Choice

Lawyers often have to network with potential clients.

• It’s necessary.

• It’s a good idea.

Multiple Choice

Lawyers mustn’t be violent people

• It’s not necessary.

• It’s important that they are not.

Multiple Choice

A good lawyer prepares his cases thoroughly, so he doesn't have to improvise.

• It’s not important.

• It’s not necessary.

Modals

• give additional information about the main verb (advice, necessity, obligation)

• always have the same form (I must, he must, you should, she should, but: he has to)

• make questions by themselves (Should I? Do I have to?)

• form = MODAL + inf. (have to do/ should work/ must pay)

Use: obligation, necessity

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Must

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Used for personal obligations: I must stop eating chocolate.

and written rules: All applicants must provide proof of identity.

--> mustn't = it is not allowed. (You mustn't smoke here.)

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have to

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Used for external obligation: We have to wear a uniform.

--> don't have to = It is not necessary. (You don't have to work after 6pm.)

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Must or have to

Question forms:

Do we have to bring a coat?

Questions with must are not common.

Better: Do you have to go so early?

Past obligation:

Always: had to ( We had to get up early today.)

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