English Grammar: Modals of Obligation, Permission, and Prohibition

Modal Verbs and their Functions

• The modal verb 'must' expresses obligation or necessity, implying that something is required or compulsory.
• The sentence 'You must attend the meeting.' conveys a strong sense of obligation, emphasizing that attendance is not optional.

Expressing Prohibition

• A sentence that expresses prohibition is one that conveys a restriction or something that is not allowed.
• For example, 'You must not smoke in the office.' (not provided in the original text, but implied as a possible answer)

Ability and Capability

• The modal verb 'can' expresses ability or capacity, indicating that someone has the skill or permission to do something.
• The sentence 'You can drive a car.' implies that the person has the necessary skills and qualifications to operate a vehicle.

Giving Advice

• The modal verb 'should' expresses advice, recommendations, or guidance, suggesting that a particular action is desirable or beneficial.
• The sentence 'You should exercise regularly.' offers advice or a recommendation, implying that regular exercise is a good idea for one's health or well-being.