Modals of Obligation

Modals of Obligation, Prohibition & Advice

by Jon Warren

​Modal verbs modify a main verb

​Obligation

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​have to / have got to / need to / must

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​Trainees have to attend every class.

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​Safety equipment must be worn.

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​All visitors need to sign in at reception.

Open Ended

Write down an obligation that you have at work.

​No obligation - not necessary

​don't have to / don't need to.

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​You don't need to wear safety equipment in the canteen.

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​Visitors don't need to show ID.

Open Ended

Write down something that is not necessary at your work.

​Prohibition - not allowed

​must not = mustn't

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​You mustn't smoke at the refinery.

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​Visitors mustn't take photographs.

Open Ended

Write down something you must not do at work.

​Strong Advice - you are sure

​should / ought to

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​You should learn vocabulary every day.

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​You shouldn't eat meat.

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​you ought to learn English.

Open Ended

A: Jack doesn’t like his job.

B: He ought to ...

Open Ended

A: Our plane will take off in five minutes.

B: We ought to

Open Ended

A: I have a toothache.

B: You ought to ...

Open Ended

Write strong advice for a visitor to Kuwait.

​Mild advice - you're not sure

​might / could

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​You might stop eating meat.

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​Animals could be treated better on farms.

Open Ended

Write mild advice for someone learning Arabic.

​Statements

​Are the following statements Obligation (O) Prohibition (P) or Advice (A)?

Multiple Choice

You must phone your boss.

• O

• P

• A

Multiple Choice

You shouldn't treat animals cruelly.

• O

• P

• A

​Go to Page 23 Ex 3 (L&S)

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​Confusion!

​You must = obligation

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​You must not = prohibition

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​You have to = obligation

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​You don't have to = lack of obligation - not required (NOT PROHIBITION)

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​Grammar Sheets