Rules! Rules! Rules!

We’re constantly surrounded by signs telling us what to do. It can get quite confusing at times. So let’s check them out. 

In activity A, see if you can match the rules in the first column with their definition. The answers are in the comments below.

1	You can smoke.		a	Working is mandatory
2	You can't smoke.		b	Smoking is obligatory
3	You don't have to work.		c	I recommend working. It's a good idea.
4	You have to smoke.		d	Smoking is allowed
5	You must work.		e	It's your choice whether you work or not.
6	You mustn't work.		f	I don't recommend smoking. It's a bad idea
7	You should work.		g	Smoking is prohibited
8	You shouldn't smoke.		h	Working isn't permitted

Now let’s concentrate on the modal verbs in bold. In activity B, measure the modal verbs according to obligation. Place a number next to the sentence. 1 = 100% obligatory, 8 = 100% prohibited. The answers are in the comments below.

You can smoke.

You can't smoke.

You don't have to work.

You have to smoke.

You must work.

You mustn't work.

You should work.

You shouldn't smoke.

Beware! Although must and have to mean the same, mustn’t and don’t have to do NOT! Interesting, isn’t it?

Now that you’ve learnt these modals, you can tell the people who write those signs what they can do with them!