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SEMAINE 18 – JOUR 5 Révision + Listening Thème : Modals of Obligation & Permission

Cette semaine, tu as appris à :

✔️ exprimer l’obligation (must / have to)
✔️ donner la permission (can / may)
✔️ interdire (must not)

Aujourd’hui :

zéro confusion
réflexes rapides
utilisation naturelle

1. The Modal Power Grid

Modals tell us the « vibe » of the obligation. Are you choosing to do it, or is someone forcing you?

ModalUse CaseThe Secret Key
MustPersonal Necessity« I feel » it is important.
Have ToExternal Rule« They say » I have to do it.
CanInformal Permission« Is it okay? » (Casual)
MayFormal Permission« Do I have authorization? » (Professional)

Warning: Mustn’t means « It’s forbidden. » Don’t have to means « It’s optional. » They are not the same!

2. The Official Vocabulary Spectrum

When writing or speaking professionally, use these specific adjectives to describe the level of a rule.

  • 🚫 Prohibited: Stop! It is strictly forbidden (e.g., smoking in an office).

  • ⚠️ Mandatory: You have no choice; it is required by law (e.g., wearing a seatbelt).

  • ✅ Authorized: You have the official « green light » to do it.

  • 🟢 Optional: It is up to you. You can do it if you want, but you are off the hook if you don’t.

3. Roles vs. Actions (The -ING Rule)

Don’t confuse your job title with your daily tasks.

  • The Position: Use « Responsible for » or « In charge of ».

    • Structure: [Subject] + [Be] + [Phrase] + [Verb-ING].

    • Example: « I am in charge of training the new staff. »

  • The Action: Use « Handle » or « Deal with ».

    • Structure: [Subject] + [Verb].

    • Example: « I handle technical problems every day. »

Part A: Choose the Best Word

Select the correct option to complete the professional scenario.

  1. In this office, wearing a tie is (optional / mandatory); you can wear a t-shirt if you prefer.

  2. Stop! You (mustn’t / don’t have to) enter that room without a hard hat. It is dangerous.

  3. I am (handling / in charge of) the entire logistics department this year.

  4. If you have a technical problem, please talk to John. He (deals with / is authorized) all software bugs.

  5. (Can / May) I have your attention for a moment, Mr. Director? I have a formal request.

Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Use the words: Prohibited, Authorized, Must, Have to, Bottom line.

  1. My boss told me I __________ attend the seminar in Paris next month.

  2. Smoking is strictly __________ near the fuel tanks.

  3. I __________ remember to call the client back before 5:00 PM. It’s very important to me.

  4. Only __________ personnel are allowed to sign these official documents.

  5. We have discussed many ideas, but the __________ is that we need more funding.

1. Optional

  • Why? The second part of the sentence says « you can wear a t-shirt, » which means there is no obligation.

2. Mustn’t

  • Why? This is a prohibition. « Don’t have to » would mean you have a choice, but for safety (dangerous room), you are forbidden from entering without protection.

3. In charge of

  • Why? « In charge of » describes a leadership position or a general role.

4. Deals with

  • Why? This describes the specific action of managing or fixing a problem.

5. May

  • Why? Because the context is formal (« Mr. Director »), « May » is the most polite and professional choice for asking permission.

6. Have to

  • Why? The obligation comes from the boss (an external rule), not from the speaker’s own feelings.

7. Prohibited

  • Why? This is a formal way to say something is strictly forbidden, especially for safety reasons.

8. Must

  • Why? This expresses a personal necessity. The speaker feels it is important to remember the call.

9. Authorized

  • Why? This refers to having the official power or permission to do something.

10. Bottom line

  • Why? This idiom is used to summarize the most important point of a conversation or situation.