Need to, Must, Have to, Should - Obligations in English

Summary

This script focuses on the nuances of expressing obligation in English, contrasting strong obligations (like 'must' and 'have to') with weaker ones (like 'should' and 'ought to'). It explores practical examples in various contexts, such as workplace rules, health advice, and cultural customs. The dialogue also touches on the obligation of following traffic rules, personal decisions, and past obligations. The script is a mix of instructional content on grammatical rules and casual scenarios, with a brief reference to a fictional mission, highlighting the diversity of how obligation is communicated in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Must, have to, and need to express strong obligations that require action, e.g., 'I must go to the dentist.'
• 😀 You don’t need to do something but it’s fine if you choose to, e.g., 'You don't have to go to the bank to do a transfer.'
• 😀 Mustn't is used to indicate prohibition or bad ideas, e.g., 'You mustn't eat too much chocolate.'
• 😀 'Should' and 'ought to' express weak obligations or advice based on tradition, custom, or culture, e.g., 'You should visit him if he's unwell.'
• 😀 In the past, 'needed to' and 'had to' are used to express obligation, e.g., 'I had to work extra hours to pay my bills.'
• 😀 In future obligations, 'I'll have to' is used to express necessary actions, e.g., 'I'll have to borrow money.'
• 😀 'Have got to' is more commonly used than 'have to' when speaking about obligation in informal settings.
• 😀 'Don't have to' implies that something is not necessary but allowed, e.g., 'You don't have to come with me.'
• 😀 'Must not' is used to express strong prohibition, while 'don't have to' is used to show something is not required.
• 😀 In some cases, weak obligations are seen as advice rather than mandatory actions, e.g., 'You ought to prepare your bags the night before your flight.'

Q & A

What time do you have to start work according to the script?

You have to start work at 8 a.m.

What are the main tasks mentioned that you need to do at work?

You need to type letters, translate French, and answer the telephone.

Do you need to wear a uniform to work?

No, you don't have to wear a uniform, but some people prefer to dress more formally.

Is smoking allowed inside the building?

No, you mustn't smoke in the building. You have to go outside if you want to smoke.

What does 'must' express in terms of obligation?

'Must' expresses a strong obligation.

What is the difference between 'must not' and 'don't have to' in the script?

'Must not' means something is prohibited (e.g., 'You must not bring food into the class'), while 'don't have to' means it's not necessary but allowed (e.g., 'You don't have to bring food into the class').

When you say 'you must stop when the traffic lights are red', what kind of obligation does this refer to?

This refers to a strong obligation, as traffic laws are mandatory.

What does 'ought to' imply in terms of obligation?

'Ought to' implies a weak obligation, often seen as advice or a good suggestion (e.g., 'You ought to prepare your bags the night before your flight').

What verb is commonly used to express obligation in the past?

The verb commonly used to express obligation in the past is 'had to' (e.g., 'I had to work extra hours to pay my bills').

What future obligation is mentioned in the script?

The future obligation mentioned is that you will have to borrow money.

What is the context of the 'you are to' phrasing in the future obligation?

'You are to' expresses a formal or specific instruction, often used for planned actions or responsibilities, such as traveling, picking up tickets, or meeting someone in the future.