Modals of permission and obligation

Look at how can, can't, must, mustn't, have to and don't have to are used in these examples.
You can put your shoes and coat over there.
You can't leave your bike there.
I must call the electrician and get that light fixed.
I mustn't forget the appointment.
You have to have a licence to drive a car.
You don't have to have a licence to cycle on the roads.
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Slide 1: Slide
EnglishMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 2

This lesson contains 18 slides, with interactive quizzes and text slides.

time-iconLesson duration is: 15 min

Items in this lesson

Look at how can, can't, must, mustn't, have to and don't have to are used in these examples.
You can put your shoes and coat over there.
You can't leave your bike there.
I must call the electrician and get that light fixed.
I mustn't forget the appointment.
You have to have a licence to drive a car.
You don't have to have a licence to cycle on the roads.

Slide 1 - Slide

Permission: can
We often use can to ask for and give permission.
  • Can I sit here?
  • You can use my car if you like.
  • Can I make a suggestion?

Slide 2 - Slide

_____ I borrow your black dress tonight, please?
A
Must
B
Can
C
Mustn't

Slide 3 - Quiz

Prohibition: can't
something that is against the rules, particularly when we didn't make the rules
  • What does this sign say? Oh, we can't park here.
  • You can't take photos in the museum. They're really strict about it.

Prohibition: mustn't
what is not permitted:  common on public signs and notices informing people of rules and laws
  • Visitors must not park in the staff car park.
  • Baggage must not be left unattended.

Slide 4 - Slide

The hostel is totally vegetarian. You _____ cook or eat meat there.
A
must
B
mustn't
C
can
D
can't

Slide 5 - Quiz

Mother to child: You _____ hit your sister again!
A
must
B
mustn't
C
can
D
can't

Slide 6 - Quiz

Obligation: have to
Have to shows us that the obligation comes from outside the speaker
  • We have to wear a uniform when we're working in reception.
  • Al has to work tomorrow so he can't come.

Obligation: must
obligation comes from the speaker (or the authority that wrote the sentence)
  • I must phone my dad. It's his birthday today.
  • Teacher: You must hand in your homework tomorrow.

Slide 7 - Slide

I'd love to come to the cinema but I _____ hand in this assignment tomorrow.
A
must
B
have to
C
can

Slide 8 - Quiz

You _____ fill in the form and attach an up-to-date passport photo.
A
must
B
can
C
have to

Slide 9 - Quiz

(Airport notice) Liquids _____ be in 100ml containers and in a closed plastic bag.
A
must
B
can
C
have to

Slide 10 - Quiz

No obligation: don't have to
We use don’t have to to show that there is no obligation. You can do something if you want to but it's not compulsory.
  • You don't have to wear a tie in our office.
  • You don't have to come with me, honestly. I'll be fine!

Slide 11 - Slide

You _____ memorise the whole thing. Just try to remember the key points.
A
have to
B
must
C
don't have to
D
mustn't

Slide 12 - Quiz

Now let's check if you got it!

Slide 13 - Slide

_____ go to the party? I'm really tired.
A
Do we have to
B
Can we
C
Can't we

Slide 14 - Quiz

I'll _____ wear the black dress tonight. The invitation said formal clothes.
A
can
B
have to
C
must

Slide 15 - Quiz

In the UK you can leave a tip in the pub if you want, but you _____.
A
mustn't
B
can't
C
don't have to

Slide 16 - Quiz

I _____ forget to take my library books back on the way home.
A
mustn't
B
don't have to
C
have to

Slide 17 - Quiz

You _____ rent a car without a credit card.
A
mustn't
B
don't have to
C
can't

Slide 18 - Quiz