MODAL VERBS

obligation and prohibition

HAVE TO
MUST
SHOULD
 OBLIGATION or something that is necessary to do

HAVE TO MUST
It is a normal verb and it exits in all tenses and It is a modal verb. It only exists in the present,
forms. but it can be used with a future meaning.

More common for general, external obligations, More common for specific or personal
for example rules and laws. obligations.

I have to wear a shirt and a tie at work. (=it’s I must buy a new shirt - this one is too old now.
the rule in this company) (= It’s my own decision)
 PROHIBITION

DON’T HAVE TO MUSTN’T - (CAN’T)

Used when there is no obligation to do Used when something is prohibited.
something

You mustn’t drive along this street. (It is

You don’t have to drive - we can get a train. prohibited, against the law)
(you can drive if you want to, but it’s not
necessary/ obligatory)
 GIVING ADVICES OR OPINIONS

SHOULD / SHOULDN’T + INFINITIVE

● It is not as strong as must or have to. We use it to give advice or an opinion.
● SHOULD is a modal verb. You can use OUGHT TO or OUGHT NOT TO instead of should or
shouldn’t.

You should take/ ought to take warm clothes with you to Siberia.
You shouldn’t / ought not to drink so much coffee. It isn’t good for you.
I think the government should do something about unemployment.