Modals: Prohibition,
Obligation
and Permission
Group 1
Introduction
• Modal verbs are very important in English. We use them to express
something
that can probably, certainly or possibly happen. Modal verbs help
when speaking
about ability, making requests and offers, asking permission and
more.
• Modal verbs give additional information about the function of the
main verb
that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.
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Modal Verbs: Prohibition, Obligation and
Permission
- When we want to express permission, prohibition
(not allowing something), obligation or no
obligation, we use modal verbs.
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What is Modal?
- Modals are auxiliary or helping verbs. They may be used in
expressing
permission, obligation and prohibition.
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1. Prohibition – can’t, mustn’t
- Prohibition is the act of disallowing or prohibiting someone in performing or
doing something. Modals showing prohibition include can’t and must
not/mustn’t.
a. Can’t is used in dealing with something against rules, laws and signs. This is
used when the speaker is not the one who sets the rules.
Examples:
You can’t go out during the community quarantine. (Quarantine Policy)
The company can’t apply for motion for reconsideration. (Legal Proceeding)
You can’t buy any alcoholic beverages due to liquor ban. (Liquor Ban Policy)
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b. Must Not/Mustn’t is used in dealing with something that is not permitted. In
this context, it is the speaker who sets the rules.
Examples:
You must not turn off your camera during online class. (Teacher-students)
Mustn’t you eat the fruits inside the fridge? (Mother to child)
Salome must not tell my secrets to her friends. (Boss to a colleague)
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2. Obligation – have to, must
- Obligation expresses commitment or duty. Modals used in expressing obligation
include have to (has to) and must.
a. Has/Have to is used when obligation comes not from the speaker. The
obligation is set by an authority, rule or law.
Examples:
I have to be in the airport before the flight departure.
She has to submit her report on time.
The company has to pay retrenchment benefits to its employees.
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b. Must is used when expressing obligation comes from the speaker or from an
authority.
Examples:
I must call my husband now.
We must finish the report on time.
I must stay away from them.
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2. Permission – can, could
- Permission is an act of giving consent or authorization. In stating permission,
modals to be used include can, could and may.
a. Can is used to ask for and give permission.
Examples:
Can you give me your number?
Can you help me with this?
I can do it if you want me to.
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b. Could is also used as a more polite and more formal modal in asking permission
(which may not be given).
Examples:
I could possibly ask my mom to cook it for us.
Could I interview the mayor?
Could you lend me your book?
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c. May is the most polite and formal modal used in asking and giving permission.
Examples:
Medical practitioners affected by COVID-19 may now claim their financial support
from the government.
Teachers may now distribute the modules to the learners.
May I borrow your book, please?
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TEST 1
1. When you are a driver, you ___ stop on red lights.
Must 2. Children ___ stay in their rooms during playtime.
3. We ___ be there before the contest starts or else we will be
disqualified.
Mustn’t
4. I can’t get a connection in my phone. ___ I borrow yours?
5. The rules state that you ___ invite only one guest to the party.
Can
6. People ___ smoke in public places.
7. Students ___ manage their time carefully when taking a timed
Can’t
test.
8. People ___ turn off their mobile phones at the movie theater.
Have to
9. Men and women ___ be treated equally.
10. If you are going to drive, you ___ consume alcoholic drinks.
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TEST 2
Prohibition Obligation Permission
Sentences
1. Passengers must not play music or talk
on
this part of the train.
2. You can’t rent a car without a credit
card.
3. You have to show your ID before you
can
enter the place.
4. You can sit here. The seat is free.
5. I must hand in all requirements before
Friday.
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Answer Key
• Test 2 Test 1
• Must
1. Prohibition • Mustn’t
• Have to
2. Prohibition • Can
• Have to
3. Obligation • Mustn’t
• Must
4. Permission • Must
• Must
5. Obligation • Mustn’t
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