Expressing Obligations: Study Notes

Students _____ wear uniforms in school.

Employees _____ reach the office on time.

Doctors _____ treat their patients with care and respect.

You _____ not litter in public places.

We _____ respect our national flag.

Children _____ listen to their parents' advice.

Tourists _____ keep the environment clean.

Citizens _____ pay their taxes on time.

What is the primary function of the word 'must'?

Which statement correctly uses 'must'?

How is 'should' different from 'must'?

Which of the following sentences correctly expresses an obligation?

Which statement about 'should' is true?

Which of the following modal verbs can indicate past obligations?

Which option is a correct synonym for 'should'?

What does 'must not' indicate?

In which context is 'might' likely used?

Which of the following sentences is incorrectly formed?

Expressing Obligations: Study Notes

Modal Verbs: "Must," "should," "have to," and variations like "ought to" express obligations, but differ in strength and implication.

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").

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.