SEMAINE 18 – JOUR 1 Modals of Obligation & Permission Programme
SEMAINE 18 · JOUR 1 · GRAMMAIRE + LISTENING
Modals of Obligation & Permission
Can · May · Must · Have To
👋 Introduction
Aujourd'hui, tu vas apprendre à dire :
ce que tu dois faire
ce que tu peux faire
ce qui est interdit
C'est essentiel pour :
✔️ parler des règles
✔️ donner des instructions
✔️ s'exprimer clairement
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📄 Transcript
1. Ability and Permission: Can vs. May
These two are often used interchangeably in casual speech, but if you want to be precise (or avoid being corrected by a cheeky English teacher), here is the deal:
Can: Focuses on ability or informal permission.
Ability: "I can speak three languages."
Informal Permission: "Can I use your charger?"
May: Focuses on formal permission or possibility.
Formal Permission: "May I see your identification, please?"
Possibility: "It may rain later, so grab an umbrella."
💡 Pro Tip: In a professional setting, "May I…" sounds more polished and respectful than "Can I…"
2. Obligation: Must vs. Have To
This is where things get interesting. Both words deal with "need," but the source of that need changes the word you use.
Must: Expresses a personal obligation or a strong recommendation. It comes from the speaker's feelings.
Example: "I must remember to call my mom." (I feel it's important).
Have To: Expresses an external obligation. It's a rule, a law, or a situation you can't change.
Example: "I have to wear a suit at work." (It's the company policy).
3. The Danger Zone: Negatives
Be careful! When you turn these verbs negative, their meanings change completely. This is the most common mistake for English learners.
Mustn't vs. Don't Have To
Mustn't (Must not): This means prohibition. It is forbidden.
"You mustn't smoke here." (It is against the law).
Don't have to: This means there is no obligation. You can do it if you want, but you don't need to.
"You don't have to come to the party." (You are welcome, but not forced).
Fill in the blanks with can, may, must, mustn't, have to, or don't have to.
Correction
1. Can — Refers to a physical ability.
2. May — Professional and formal way to ask permission.
3. Have to — It is a legal requirement (external rule).
4. Must — A personal decision/necessity (internal).
5. Don't have to — It's not necessary, but you could if you wanted to.
6. Mustn't — It is forbidden (negative obligation).
7. Can — Refers to a skill/ability.
8. May — Expresses a 50/50 possibility.
9. Have to — The obligation comes from the boss (external).
10. Must — Used for a very strong recommendation.