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Interactive Grammar: Modals for Obligation, Prohibition and Advice

Use 'must', 'mustn't', 'should', 'ought to', and 'had better' to express obligation, prohibition, and advice clearly in English.

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Exercises

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~64 min
Exercises
43
Level
Intermediate

Overview

Use 'must', 'mustn't', 'should', 'ought to', and 'had better' to express obligation, prohibition, and advice clearly in English.

Obligation / Prohibition / Advice

  • obligationmust / have to — You must show ID. / Staff have to wear badges.
  • prohibitionmustn't — You mustn't use flash photography here.
  • adviceshould / ought to — You should see a doctor.
  • no obligationdon't have to — You don't have to attend — it is optional.

Key distinctions

  • Mustn'tdon't have to — forbidden vs. optional!
  • Must = personal strong rule. Have to = external rule.
  • Had better + base verb = strong advice with warning: You'd better leave now.
  • Ought to = slightly formal version of 'should'.

Common Mistakes

  • You mustn't to attend. → ✅ You don't have to attend. (no obligation)
  • He ought to called. → ✅ He ought to call. (no -ed after 'to')
  • You had better to leave. → ✅ You had better leave. (no 'to')

When to use

Health & safety

Visitors must not touch the exhibits.

Workplace rules

All staff have to complete the training.

Academic advice

You should proofread your essay carefully.

Strong warnings

You'd better book now before it sells out.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct modal for obligation, prohibition, or advice

Multiple Choice15 questions
1You wear a seatbelt — it's the law.
2You smoke in here — it's completely forbidden.
3You take an umbrella — it looks like rain.
4What is the difference between 'mustn't' and 'don't have to'?
5You be rude to your clients.
6Staff show their ID badge at all times.
7You attend the session — it is optional.
8She see a specialist about her knee.
9Visitors use flash photography in the gallery.
10'Had better' expresses .
11You eat so much sugar — it is bad for you.
12You leave the emergency exit clear at all times.
13Which expresses the strongest obligation?
14You better apologise before she gets more upset.
15Which sentence expresses ADVICE (not obligation)?

Fill in the Blanks

Complete with the correct modal: must, mustn't, should, shouldn't, ought to, don't have to, had better

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1You(must/should)show a valid ID to enter the venue.
2You(mustn't/shouldn't)use your phone during the exam — it is forbidden.
3She(should/must)get more rest — she looks exhausted.
4You(don't have to/mustn't)attend — it is completely optional.
5We(must/should)submit the reports by noon on Friday.
6He(ought to/must)call his mother more often.
7You(had better/should)leave now or you will miss the train.
8Patients(must not/should not)eat or drink before the surgery.
9You(shouldn't/mustn't)eat so much — it is bad for your health.
10All staff(must/ought to)complete the fire safety training.

Transform the Sentences

Rewrite using the modal given to change the meaning

Transform8 questions

1It is forbidden to use flash photography here. → Use 'mustn't'

2Attendance is optional — you can choose. → Use 'don't have to'

3I think you need more sleep. → Use 'should'

4It is compulsory for staff to wear a badge. → Use 'must'

5Leave now or you will miss the last bus. → Use 'had better'

6Eating junk food is not a good idea. → Use 'shouldn't'

7I would advise her to see a doctor. → Use 'ought to'

8Parking here is not allowed. → Use 'must not'

Fix the Errors

Correct the modal mistake

Error Fix10 questions

1You mustn't to attend — it is optional.

2She musts wear a uniform.

3You should not to eat so late.

4He ought to called the bank.

5You mustn't not enter this area.

6You had better to leave now.

7She don't have to come if she is unwell.

8Must you to sign in every morning?

9You shouldn't eating too much sugar.

10Visitors mustn't not bring outside food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on modals cover?

Use 'must', 'mustn't', 'should', 'ought to', and 'had better' to express obligation, prohibition, and advice clearly in English.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Intermediate (B1) learners and forms part of the Modals section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

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