Modal Verbs For Obligation And Prohibition
Imagine being able to easily express what someone must do, or what they are not allowed to do. Imagine how helpful it is in daily conversations to know exactly how to set rules, give advice, or state what’s not permitted.
In this lesson, you’ll explore how to use modal verbs like “must,” “mustn’t,” “have to,” and “don’t have to” to express obligations and prohibitions. These are important tools that make communication clear and precise, whether you’re giving directions, talking about rules at school, or explaining safety procedures to a friend.
Let’s dive into the world of modals to understand how to use them correctly and confidently!
Concept: Modal Verbs for Obligation and Prohibition
- Obligation: When you need to express that someone has to do something, you use modal verbs like “must” or “have to.”
- Example: “You must wear a uniform at school.”
- Prohibition: When you want to show that something is not allowed, you use “mustn’t” or “cannot.”
- Example: “You mustn’t use your phone during class.”
These verbs are used to give clear instructions, set boundaries, or explain rules, making them very practical for your everyday life. for example:
At School: “You must submit your homework on time.”
Traffic Rules: “You mustn’t cross the street when the light is red.”
House Rules: “You have to wash your hands before eating.”
Health and Safety: “You mustn’t touch electrical wires with wet hands.”
Traveling: “You have to show your ID at the airport.”
In the following video you will have a quick masterclass regarding this topic:
Importance of Using Modal Verbs in Daily Life
Using modal verbs effectively helps you communicate clearly and be understood by others. Whether you’re talking about the rules in a school, explaining what you can or cannot do at a friend’s house, or simply discussing obligations at home, modal verbs help you express clear boundaries and expectations. Practicing these verbs will make it easier for you to talk confidently about rules, responsibilities, and restrictions.
Below you will find a summary of what you’ve learned in this lesson.
Learning Activities
Engage in the following activities to practice what you’ve learned throughout this lesson:
Role-Playing Scenarios
Objective: Practice using must, have to, mustn’t, and don’t have to in real-life situations.
Instructions:
- Work in pairs or small groups.
- You will be given a list of scenarios. For each one, use the correct modal verb to explain what is required or prohibited.
- Example: “You are a teacher. Tell your students what they must do in class.”
- Example: “You are at a museum. What are the rules about what you mustn’t do?”
- Take turns giving your answers in the correct form.
- For example: “You must be quiet in class,” “You mustn’t touch the artwork.”
- Switch roles and repeat with new scenarios.
Modal Verbs Picture Dictation
Objective: Use modal verbs to describe obligations and prohibitions based on pictures.
Instructions:
- You will be provided with a picture that shows different situations where rules and regulations are important (e.g., a school, a library, a pool).
- Write sentences describing what people must, mustn’t, have to, or don’t have to do in these places.
- For example: “You must be quiet in the library.”
- Or: “You have to wear sunscreen at the pool.”
- Share your sentences with the class and discuss any differences in how the rules could be stated.
Create a Guide for New Students
- Imagine you are creating a guide for new students at your school, workplace, or a public place.
- Write 5-6 rules using the modal verbs of obligation and prohibition (e.g., must, have to, mustn’t, don’t have to).
- Example: “You must hand in your homework on time.”
- Example: “You mustn’t use your phone during class.”
- Example: “You don’t have to bring lunch if you don’t want to.”
- Share your guide with a partner and compare the rules you created. Discuss any differences in how the rules can be worded.
Prohibition and Obligation Sorting Game
- Your teacher will give you a set of cards with sentences on them. Some sentences express obligations, and others express prohibitions.
- Work in pairs or small groups to sort the cards into two categories: Obligations and Prohibitions.
- Example of obligations: “You must complete the project by Friday.”
- Example of prohibitions: “You mustn’t talk during the test.”
- Once you’ve sorted the sentences, discuss with your partner why each sentence belongs in the category you chose.
- After discussion, each group will share one sentence from each category with the class, explaining the reason behind the rule.