Modals of permission and obligation

• English
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

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.

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?

_____ I borrow your black dress tonight, please?

1. Must
2. Can
3. Mustn't

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.

The hostel is totally vegetarian. You _____ cook or eat meat there.

1. must
2. mustn't
3. can
4. can't

Mother to child: You _____ hit your sister again!

1. must
2. mustn't
3. can
4. can't

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.

I'd love to come to the cinema but I _____ hand in this assignment tomorrow.

1. must
2. have to
3. can

You _____ fill in the form and attach an up-to-date passport photo.

1. must
2. can
3. have to

(Airport notice) Liquids _____ be in 100ml containers and in a closed plastic bag.

1. must
2. can
3. have to

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!

You _____ memorise the whole thing. Just try to remember the key points.

1. have to
2. must
3. don't have to
4. mustn't

Now let's check if you got it!

_____ go to the party? I'm really tired.

1. Do we have to
2. Can we
3. Can't we

I'll _____ wear the black dress tonight. The invitation said formal clothes.

1. can
2. have to
3. must

In the UK you can leave a tip in the pub if you want, but you _____.

1. mustn't
2. can't
3. don't have to

I _____ forget to take my library books back on the way home.

1. mustn't
2. don't have to
3. have to

You _____ rent a car without a credit card.

1. mustn't
2. don't have to
3. can't