RULES

lEXPRESSING PERMISSION
lEXPRESSING OBLIGATION
lEXPRESSING PROHIBITION
lEXPRESSING LACK OF OBLIGATION
EXPRESSING PERMISSION
l When something is PERMITTED, it
means that you have the possibility
to do it without any problems.

For example:
You can park in this area.
EXPRESSING PERMISSION
l CAN
You can use my phone if you like.
Can I go now?/ Could I go now? (more formal)

l MAY (even more formal)

You may park your car in this area.
May I go now?

l BE ALLOWED TO
All students are allowed to use the library
EXPRESSING OBLIGATION

l We use MUST

ü To say that something is necessary for the speaker.

I must go to the bank later

ü To talk about laws and regulations

Students must turn off their mobiles during the exam.
l We can also use MUST for strong
advice

This book is lovely; you must read it.

EXPRESSING OBLIGATION

l We use HAVE/HAS TO

ü To say that something is necessary because it has

already been established.
I have to see the bank manager tomorrow.

ü To talk about obligations in your routines and every

day activities.
He has to make his bed every day before going to
school.
EXPRESSING OBLIGATION
l In British English we can use HAVE GOT
TO/HAS GOT TO.

I have got to see the bank manager tomorrow. OR

I’ve got to see the bank manager tomorrow.

He has got to make his bed every day before going to

school. OR
He’s got to make his bed every day before going to
school
EXPRESSING PROHIBITION
l MUSTN’T (more formal)
You mustn’t talk to your father like that.

l CAN’T
You can’t talk to your father like that.

l NOT TO BE ALLOWED TO (more formal)

You aren’t allowed to talk to your father like that.
EXPRESSING LACK OF
OBLIGATION

l DON’T HAVE TO
Teachers don’t have to wear ties

l DON’T NEED TO
Teachers don’t need to wear ties

l NEEDN’T
Teachers needn’t wear ties
Which sentences are right and which
are wrong?

1. I’ve got to give up smoking.

2. I’ve to give up smoking.
3. I have to give up smoking.
4. I often must to work until 7 o’clock at night.
Which sentence expresses a different
meaning?

1. You don’t have to wait.

2. You needn’t wait.
3. You don’t need to wait.
4. You mustn’t wait.
Is there any difference between these
sentences?

1. You are not allowed to smoke in here.

2. You can’t smoke in here.
3. You don’t have to smoke in here.
Rephrase the following sentences using
modal verbs.

1. My doctor insists that I avoid fatty foods.

2. It was impossible for me to meet you at the
airport.
3. You can relax because there’s no obligation
to write any more.
4. Is it all right if I use your phone?
5. Yes, of course it’s OK to use the phone.
6. You are not allowed to buy cigarettes if you
are under 18.
Some possible answers…

1. I must/have to avoid fatty foods.

2. I couldn’t/wasn’t able to meet you at the
airport.
3. You don’t have/ don’t need to/needn’t
write any more.
4. Can/could/may I use your phone?
5. Yes, of course you can/may use the phone.
6. You can’t/must not buy cigarettes if you are
under 18.
Fill in the gaps with the right modals

1. I miss my brother. I think I ____________

call him.
2. They ___________do their homework
before they go out.
3. You _____________ take photos in here.
4. You ___________ come to the party if you
don’t want to.
5. ____________ (I) wear a seatbelt?
Some possible answers

1. I must write to my brother.

2. They have to do their homework before
they go out.
3. You mustn’t/can’t/aren’t allowed to take
photos in here.
4. You don’t have/need to come to the party if
you don’t want to.
5. Do I have to wear a seatbelt?