Modal verbs for permission and obligation

MODAL VERBS for obligation and permission. Grammar explanation Do you know how to use modal verbs to talk about permission and obligation?

MODAL VERBS for Obligation. We use have to, must and  need to to express obligation. There is a slight difference between the way we use them.have tohave to shows us that the obligation comes from outside the speaker. It’s necessary because of a rule or law.- She has to work very long hours.- My brother has to wear a suit to work.mustmust expresses a strong obligation or necessity. It often shows us that the obligation comes from the speaker - I must talk to her right now. - He must remember to have a shave before the conference call tonight.

MODAL VERBS for Obligationneed to need to is used when saying that someone should do something or has to do something - He often needs to do overtime. - She needs to get up early tomorrow because the meeting will start at 8 a.m. - He needs to see a doctor straightaway. - Dolphins need to eat considerable quantities of food. - You need to let me know by Monday if you want to take part in the conference.

Lack of Obligation OR NECESSITYdon’t have to/doesn’t have to do something. 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 but some people like to dress more formally. -You don't have to go to the bank to do a transfer. You can do it online. -You don't have to come with me, honestly. I'll be fine!

Lack of Obligation OR NECESSITYWe use  needn't and don't need to to give permission to someone not to do somethingdon’t need to / needn’t-You don’t need to wear a tie at the party.- You need’t come to the office. You can work from home.- You don’t need to write the essay again.-You don't need to do that right away.

PERMISSIONwe often use can to ask for and give permission. To say what is allowed, we also use can - Journalist can work flexible hours - Can I sit here? - You can use my car if you like. - Can I make a suggestion?

Can’t/ mustn’t. To say what is not allowed, we use - can’t - I can’t leave the office during office hours. - You can't take photos in the museum. They're really strict about it. - Sorry, we can't sell knives to under-18s. we use must not to talk about what is not permitted mustn’t -You mustn’t check your private email at work. - Visitors must not park in the staff car park. - People must not make noise after 11 p.m.

exercises Have to or Can- Do you have to wear a uniform?- Can you call your teachers by their first name?- Can you use your mobile phone in class?- Do you have to take tests in each subject at the end of the term?- Do you have to change classrooms for each lessons?- Can you leave school before you are eighteen?