Lesson: Modals

Grade 9
References: *A Journey through Anglo-American Literature Learner‘s Material for English
*Online References
Prepared by: APRIL R. UMANDAP

MODALS : OBLIGATION
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to indicate ‘modality’ – permission, ability
obligation, likelihood, probability.

PRESENT OBLIGATION
We can use one of the following to express obligation in the present.

MODAL MEANING / USE EXAMPLE

1. have to Strong obligation

People have to switch off their mobile phones.

2. don’t have to No obligation

People don’t have to buy the book, if they don’t want to.

3. must Strong obligation

Your doctor must tell you what’s wrong with you.

mustn’t : Obligation not to do something

You mustn’t smoke in the hospital.

should Mild obligation

You should save some money for a rainy day.

shouldn’t Mild obligation not to do something

You shouldn’t drink so much wine.

PAST OBLIGATION

We can use one of the following to express obligation in the past.

MODAL MEANING / USE EXAMPLE

1. had to Strong obligation

People had to leave in a hurry because of the fire.

2. didn’t have to No obligation

You didn’t have to do all the exercises, but it’s OK.

3. should have + past participle

Past action that didn’t happen and you express advice or regret

You should have gone to the doctor before. Now it’s too late and the illness is at an advanced stage.

4. shouldn’t have + past participle

Past action that didn’t happen and you express advice or regret

PRACTICE EXERCISE: MODALS OF OBLIGATION

A. Complete the following sentences with an appropriate modal verb. Use ‘have to’, ‘don’t have
to’, ‘must/mustn’t’, ‘should/shouldn’t’ sometimes more than answer is possible.
1. You ___________ always wear the school’s uniform.
2. Parents ___________ make sure their children arrive on time.
3. Mobile phones ___________ always be switched off before a class starts.
4. Students ___________ wear shoes. They can bring black or dark trainers if they prefer to.
5. You ___________ shout in the corridors.

What are the two types of modal verbs of obligation?

There are two types of modal verbs of obligation; those that primarily express a firm
obligation or necessity - must and have to - and those that express a recommendation or moral
obligation - should and ought to.

What are the other types of modal?

Can is another type of modal often used to ask for and give permission. It means something is
allowed and can be done. Both can‘t and mustn‘t are also modals used to show that something is
prohibited – it is not allowed. Can‘t tell us that something is against the rules. Mustn‘t is usually used
when the obligation comes from the person who is speaking.

TRY THIS! A. Use must, have to, should and ought to correctly in the following sentences.

1. Children __________ obey their parents.

2. Parents ___________ respect their children too.
3. Challenges ___________ not keep us from achieving our dreams.
4. Parents ___________ send their children to school.
5. Before, one talks about an issue, he/she ___________ read about it first.
6. Family members __________ understand that they have important roles to perform in keeping the
family strong.
7. Friends __________ be carefully chosen for the influence they can have.
8. The school, as a second home ________constantly nurture and protect the rights of children. 9. We
_______find courage even in the small things that we do.
10. In order to succeed, you _________ believe that you can.
B. Read the following sentences. Use the correct modals of prohibitions in each of the sentences.

1. _______ I stay with the group?

2. You _______ park here, ma‘am. The parking lot is full.
3. You ______ wear shirts but you _____ wear jeans in the pool.
4. You _____ use Mandela‘s speech to inspire the youth.
5. You _______ make noise while the session is ongoing.

C. Underline the best answer.

1. Which one of the pair expresses an obligation?

 I must go to the dentist.
 I will go to the dentist.
2. Which one of the pair expresses necessity?
 You have to be very careful in choosing friends.
 You can be very careful in choosing friends.
3. Which one of the pair expresses moral obligation?
 Parents should teach their children how to make good decision.
 Parents must teach their children how to make good decision.
4. 4.Which one of the pair expresses more formal and polite way of saying that someone has
permission?
 Students may travel free.
 Students can travel free.
5. Which one of the pair expresses polite way of asking permission to do something?
 Could we go home now?
 Can we go home now?
6. Which one expresses recommendation or moral obligation?
 We should understand our roles to keep our family strong.
 We mustn't forget our roles to keep our family strong.
7. Which one of the pair expresses an obligation?
 We must meet again soon.
 We will meet again soon.
8. Which one of the pair expresses ability?
 Can I lift that for you?
 I can lift that easily.
9. Which one of the pair expresses a request for permission?
 Could I go now?
 I could go now.
10. Which one of the pair expresses ability?
 He could speak several languages.
 He could speak to the boss