MODAL VERBS: PERMISSION AND OBLIGATION.

● PERMISSION.

can: to ask for and give could: to ask for may: is the most formal
permission. permission (but not to way to ask for and give
give it). Could is more permission.
formal and polite than
can.

Can I sit here? Could I ask you May I see your passport,
something? please?

● PROHIBITION.

can’t: to talk about something that is mustn’t: to talk about what is not
against the rules, particularly when we permitted. It is common on public signs
didn't make the rules. and notices informing people of rules
and laws.

What does this sign say? Oh, we can't Guests must not make noise after 10
park here. p.m.

● OBLIGATION

have to: shows us that the obligation must: an obligation that comes from the
comes from inside the speaker. It is not outside (external source).
from an external source.

We have to get up at 7 o’clock to take (Teacher to student) You must hand in

the bus. your homework on Tuesday or you will
lose ten per cent of your mark.

We don't use must to express obligation in the past. We use to have to instead.
I had to pay £85 to renew my passport last week.

● NO OBLIGATION

don’t have to:o 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.

● SUGGESTION.

should/ shouldn’t: For advice

ought to/ don’t ought to

had better

You should take your umbrella because it is raining