Podcast
Questions and Answers
Students _____ wear uniforms in school.
Students _____ wear uniforms in school.
- have to
- might
- must (correct)
- can
Employees _____ reach the office on time.
Employees _____ reach the office on time.
- might
- should
- could
- have to (correct)
Doctors _____ treat their patients with care and respect.
Doctors _____ treat their patients with care and respect.
- can
- should
- have to
- must (correct)
You _____ not litter in public places.
You _____ not litter in public places.
We _____ respect our national flag.
We _____ respect our national flag.
Children _____ listen to their parents' advice.
Children _____ listen to their parents' advice.
Tourists _____ keep the environment clean.
Tourists _____ keep the environment clean.
Citizens _____ pay their taxes on time.
Citizens _____ pay their taxes on time.
What is the primary function of the word 'must'?
What is the primary function of the word 'must'?
Which statement correctly uses 'must'?
Which statement correctly uses 'must'?
How is 'should' different from 'must'?
How is 'should' different from 'must'?
Which of the following sentences correctly expresses an obligation?
Which of the following sentences correctly expresses an obligation?
Which statement about 'should' is true?
Which statement about 'should' is true?
Which of the following modal verbs can indicate past obligations?
Which of the following modal verbs can indicate past obligations?
Which option is a correct synonym for 'should'?
Which option is a correct synonym for 'should'?
What does 'must not' indicate?
What does 'must not' indicate?
In which context is 'might' likely used?
In which context is 'might' likely used?
Which of the following sentences is incorrectly formed?
Which of the following sentences is incorrectly formed?
Flashcards
Must
Must
A strong obligation, a rule that must be followed.
Should
Should
A suggestion or recommendation, not a strict rule.
Have to
Have to
A necessary action, often due to a specific situation or requirement.
Must not
Must not
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Must vs Should
Must vs Should
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Obligation in writing
Obligation in writing
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Obligation spoken
Obligation spoken
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Obligation vocabulary
Obligation vocabulary
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Ought to
Ought to
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Must vs Have to
Must vs Have to
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Don't have to
Don't have to
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Past Tense of Must
Past Tense of Must
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Study Notes
Expressing Obligations: Study Notes
- Modal Verbs: "Must," "should," "have to," and variations like "ought to" express obligations, but differ in strength and implication.
Key Modal Verbs and Their Meanings
-
Must: Indicates a strong obligation or necessity, often a rule or law. Implies a high degree of pressure or authority. Formal and less frequently used in spoken English.
-
Should: Indicates a weaker obligation, often a suggestion, advice, or a moral imperative. Emphasizes a recommended course of action rather than strict rule.
-
Have to: Indicates an obligation or necessity stemming from external factors. Typically enforced by rules, laws, or circumstances. Frequently used in spoken English, and can be used in past tense.
Examples of Usage
- Must: "You must complete your homework." (Strong obligation)
- Should: "You should respect your elders." (Advice/suggestion)
- Have to: "Employees have to reach the office on time." (External obligation)
Differences in Strength
- Must is the strongest
- Have to is fairly strong.
- Should and "ought to" are weaker, used for suggestions and moral obligations.
Negative Forms
- Must not (mustn't): Indicates prohibition or a strong avoidance.
- Should not: Indicates a recommendation against something.
- Do not have to: Denotes freedom from obligation.
Common Uses and Context
- Must is often used for rules, laws or strong personal obligations.
- Should is often used for advice, recommendations, or moral obligations.
- Have to is common for external pressures and rules.
Other Considerations
- "Ought to" is similar to "should," often expressing moral obligations.
- Modal verbs can be used in all tenses. (e.g. "I had to go").
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Description
This quiz focuses on the use of modal verbs such as 'must,' 'should,' and 'have to' in expressing obligations. Learn how these verbs convey different levels of necessity and their implications in everyday language. Each modal verb is defined with examples to help solidify your understanding.
