SEMAINE 18 – JOUR 1 Modals of Obligation & Permission Programme : Grammaire + Listening
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
LISTENING DU JOUR
COURS DU JOUR
Mastering the « Big Four »: Can, May, Must, and Have To
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).
EXERCICE D'APPLICATION
Fill in the blanks with can, may, must, mustn’t, have to, or don’t have to.
Ability: I __________ swim very well, but I’m learning!
Formal Permission: __________ I ask a question regarding the new project?
Strict Rule: In most countries, you __________ drive on the right side of the road.
Internal Goal: I’m so tired. I __________ go to bed early tonight.
No Necessity: You __________ bring any food to the party; everything is provided.
Prohibition: You __________ feed the animals in the zoo. It’s strictly forbidden.
General Ability: She __________ speak four languages fluently.
Possibility: We __________ go to the beach this weekend, but it depends on the weather.
External Rule: My boss told me that I __________ attend the meeting at 9:00 AM.
Strong Advice: You __________ try this cake; it’s the best I’ve ever tasted!
| No. | Answer | Why? |
| 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. |