Quick Review: Modals of Obligation & Advice

You already know how to talk about rules and give advice — let’s make sure it’s automatic.

Notice

  • You must wear a seatbelt. (obligation)
  • You don’t have to come if you’re busy. (no obligation)
  • You should see a doctor. (advice)

Rule

Must and have to both express obligation, but must often comes from the speaker’s own judgement, while have to often comes from an outside rule. Should gives advice or a recommendation, not a strict rule.

Practice

  1. At the airport, you ___ show your passport. (rule)
    Answer: have to
  2. You look tired — you ___ get more sleep. (advice)
    Answer: should
  3. We ___ hurry, there’s plenty of time. (no obligation)
    Answer: don’t have to
  4. Students ___ arrive on time for the exam. (strict rule)
    Answer: must
  5. You ___ n’t smoke in here — it’s not allowed. (prohibition)
    Answer: must

Connect

Spot and fix mistakes with modals like these in real sentences.

Try Error Correction →

CEFR: Review of A2 modals — the foundation for B1’s Module 5 (modals of deduction).

Azizul Hakim
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