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Understanding Modal Verbs for Advice and Obligation

The document explains the use of modal verbs for giving advice, expressing obligation, and indicating permission. It covers 'should', 'ought to', 'must', 'have to', 'don’t have to', 'can', 'can’t', and 'mustn’t' with examples for each. The distinctions between these terms highlight their specific contexts in communication.

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Vania Romero
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4 views5 pages

Understanding Modal Verbs for Advice and Obligation

The document explains the use of modal verbs for giving advice, expressing obligation, and indicating permission. It covers 'should', 'ought to', 'must', 'have to', 'don’t have to', 'can', 'can’t', and 'mustn’t' with examples for each. The distinctions between these terms highlight their specific contexts in communication.

Uploaded by

Vania Romero
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Should / Shouldn’t = To give or ask for advice (Dever / Não dever para conselhos)

Should / Shouldn’t + Infinitive

E.g. If you want to be healthy, you should exercise more.

You shouldn’t go to bed late.

What should I do?

* Ought to = To give advice (more formal)

Ought to / Ought not to + Infinitive

E.g. Everybody ought to vote in the next election.

You ought not to have missed so many classes.


Must / Have to = Obligation / Necessity

Must / Have to +

Must = Something the speaker thinks is an obligation or necessity.

E.g. I must remember to buy milk.

Have to = Rules, laws made by someone else.

E.g. We have to show our passport when we cross the border.

I have to hand in my project tomorrow.

Don’t have to = It’s not necessary


Don’t have to + Infinitive

E.g. You don’t have to show you passport when you travel to Spain.

*Don’t need to = It’s not necessary

E.g. You don’t need to bring food because we are going to eat at the café.

*Needn’t = It’s not necessary

E.g. You needn’t pay for the drinks. They are free.

Can / Can’t = Permission or lack permission.


Can / Can’t + Infinitive

E.g. You can leave any time you like.

You can’t bring animals in here.

Mustn’t = Prohibition / It’s not allowed

Mustn’t +

E.g. You mustn’t use your phone in the classroom.

You mustn’t take pictures in the museum.

* Can’t is an alternative to mustn’t.


E.g. You can’t use your phone in the classroom.

You can’t take pictures in the museum.

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