4.

4 Obligation: should, ought to, and must

1 Should and ought to express mild obligation, suggestions, or advice.

You ought to buy a new car. (the speaker’s opinion)

I think you should take a holiday. Often used with I think/don’t think.

Do you think I should lose weight? We often use Do you think…? in

the question.

2 Must expresses strong obligation.

I must pay these bills. (the speaker’s opinion)

You must be more patient. It is personal.

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 4.4 Obligation: should, ought to, and must

3 Must is also associated with a formal, written style.

Passengers must arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times.

4 Make the sentences with should, ought to, or must.

1 I/buy a new tennis racket?

Should I buy a new tennis racket?
Do you think I should buy a new tennis racket?
2 All visitors / exit through this door.
All visitors must exit through this door.

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 4.4 Obligation: should, ought to, and must

5 Have to and must are sometimes interchangeable.

We must recycle more.
We have to recycle more.

6 There is sometimes a difference in meaning.

You really must be more careful. (feelings/wishes of the speaker)
You have to register in order to vote (obligation from somewhere else)

Must can sound authoritarian.

Have to is used more than must.

7 Question forms with have to are more common.

Do we have to fill in this form?

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 4.4 Obligation: should, ought to, and must

8 Don’t have to and mustn’t are completely different.

Tomorrow’s Saturday, so you don’t have to get up early.

(absence of obligation)
You can, but it isn’t necessary.

It’s a secret. You mustn’t tell anyone.

(negative obligation)
It’s very important NOT to do something.

9 Complete the sentences.

don’t have to wear a suit to work, unless you want to.
1 You _____________
mustn’t
2 You _____________ be late. We won’t wait for you.
mustn’t
3 You _____________ eat so much - you’re on a diet!

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