6 Expressing Obligations

Objectives
On completion of this lesson you will be able to
 express obligations
 express an order or a strong suggestion
Pre Activity
Read the following sentences and identify the difference in meaning .
He must take care of his health.
He should take care of his health.
He has to take care of his health.
Activity 1
Look at the following dialogue and identify which words are used to express
or suggestion and which words express an order the expressions
containing must, should and have to.
Patient: Is there anything serious, doctor?
Doctor: Nothing serious. But you must reduce your weight.
Patient: Am I obese?
Doctor: Yes. You are slightly obese. So you should avoid oily foods.
Patient: Is there anything else I need to be careful about?
Doctor: Yes. You have to walk five km daily and you must not eat sweet
fruits.
 Additional Information

Words must and have to are used to speak about obligations and
compulsions. Let us observe the pictures and read the matter that follows.
It will help to learn the difference in meaning.

Policeman: You must wear a helmet. I have to wear a helmet.

et. (=It is the law) (the person realises that the
law demands)
In the first picture, the policeman uses the word ‘must’ and ‘mustn’t’
to mean “It is the law”. The words ‘must’ and ‘mustn’t’ are used where you
have no choice. Use ‘must and mustn’t’ to give orders where speaker has no
choice but to accept the orders, or the law.
In the second picture, the speaker thinks that the law demands one to
wear a helmet. He uses ‘have to’ to express external obligation or pressure
from an external source. He may not like it but someone or something forces
him to do it. In such situations “have to” is used.
Activity 2 Pair
 Work with your partner
 Give information to a young student on how to join polytechnic starting
from the moment of applying for CEEP to the first day at college
 Discuss and advise each other
 Use ‘have to’ , ‘must’ and ‘must not’
 Jot down the points in the blank space
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Additional Information

The word should is used to convey an obligation but you have a choice to
follow or not. Observe the pictures and read the sentences below. Learn
the difference in meaning

In the above advertisements, there are some suggestions. We are free to

follow or ignore the suggestions. But the messages give us good advice. In
everyday language we say the same things in the following way.
1. We should help old people.
2. We should not (shouldn’t) drive fast.
3. We should keep our city clean and green.

So, ‘should’ means it ‘is better to do’. Always give suggestions using
‘should’. In other words when ‘should’ is used, it is an obligation but you
have a choice to do something as suggested.

Activity 2 Pair 15 min.

 Work with your partner
  Speak on ‘healthy living’
 Discuss and give each other proper advice
 Use ‘should’ in your advice/ suggestion

Example: You should cut out sugar and salt from your diet.

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Additional Information

have to/has to : expresses external pressure

Example: He has to work in the night shift.

had to: expresses past obligation.

Example: I had to work very hard to earn money.

shouldn’t: expresses obligation.

Example: You shouldn’t drink while driving.

needn’t: expresses lack of compulsion or necessity.

Example: I needn’t go to the office today.
must : expresses compulsion
 Example: You must be health conscious.

Common Errors
Incorrect Correct
I must and should do it. I should do it. / I must do it.
Students are should be careful. Students should be careful.

Tips
 Use ‘must’ to express suggestion
 Use ‘have to’ to express external pressure.
 Use ‘should’ to express an obligation

Assignment 1

 Read the passage about first aid for burns

 Express the ideas in your own sentences using “should/shouldn’t.”

First Aid for Burns

Put the burnt part under cold water and run plenty of cold water over it. This
reduces the heat in the skin. It is important to do this for at least 10 minutes.
Remove anything tight like a belt. Take off all jewellery. Then cover the burnt
part with a clean non–fluffy cloth like a clean cotton pillowcase or a towel.
Don’t put butter, oil, or ointment on the burnt part. It only has to be cleaned
again before treatment can be given. Then call a doctor or an ambulance.
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Assignment 2
 Rewrite these sentences using “must’ or ‘should, wherever applicable.

a. I really need to get a haircut.

b. I strongly recommend you watch this movie.
c. Don’t work too hard.
d. It is important to wear a helmet when you are riding a bike.
e. Speak only in English every day.
f. Finish your work in time.
g. Enjoy your work.

Example: I must get a haircut.

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We

ourselves must walk the path.
--Buddha