Modals of Obligation
Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.
Conversation 1
Man: I have to work tonight.
Woman: Really? I don’t have to. Today is my day off. When do you start?
Man: At 7, but I have to leave early to beat the traffic.
Woman: Yeah, you need to get going.
Man: What about you? What are you doing today?
Woman: Nothing exciting. I need to go grocery shopping, and I have to mail a few things.
Man: Sounds like fun stuff!
Woman: Yeah, I know, but I have to do it today, or else it won’t get done.
Conversation 2
Man: What are you doing tomorrow?
Woman: Nothing. I’m free all day. What about you?
Man: I have to do yard work today. My yard looks like a mess.
Woman: Really? What do you have to do?
Man: I have to cut the grass, trim the hedges, and pull the weeds.
Woman: Sounds like fun! I love gardening.
Man: Really? I hate it, but I have to do it. My yard looks like a jungle right now.
Woman: Would you like me to help? I love working outdoors.
Man: I’d love some help. You don’t have to, though.
Woman: No, I want to help. It’s relaxing. I don’t have a yard, so I never get to do it.
Man: Great. Can you come over around 10?
Woman: Yes, that works. See you then.
Conversation 3
Man: Do you have to wear a suit for work?
Woman: No, but I have to wear slacks and a tie. What about you?
Man: Yes, everyone has to wear a suit. It’s mandatory.
Woman: What a hassle! How many suits do you have?
Man: Just two for now, so I have to be careful with them and not get them dirty.
Woman: Why don’t you just buy a few more suits?
Man: I want to, but I must save money first.
Woman: Yeah, I know the feeling.
Conversation 4
Man: What are you doing over the summer break?
Woman: I’m working at a summer camp. This is my third season doing it.
Man: Oh, that sounds interesting. What do you do for your job?
Woman: Basic outdoors stuff. I take kids on hikes or go river rafting with them.
Man: I’d love a job like that. How long is the camp?
Woman: Six weeks, but you must work every day, and you must stay at the camp.
Man: I wouldn’t mind that. Are they hiring?
Woman: They are, but you have to have a driver’s license and be a good swimmer.
Man: I see. Well, I have a driver’s license, and I’m actually an excellent swimmer.
Woman: Well, then, you should apply. But you must do it by April 15th.
Man: OK, I can do that! How do I apply?
Woman: You just have to go to the website and apply online. I’ll send you the web address.
Man: Thanks! I’ll definitely apply. It sounds like a fun job.
Need to / Have to / Must
need to - shows an action is important and necessary.
- (Q) What do we need to bring?
(A) You need to have a swimsuit.
(N) You don’t need to wear a cap.
- (Q) Do we need to show ID?
(A) Yes, you do.
(N) No, you don’t.
have to- shows an action is important and necessary.
- (Q) What do you have to do?
(A) I have to clean my rooms.
(N) I don’t have to finish today. - (Q) Do you have to go?
(A) Yes, I have to. / Yes, I do.
(N) No, I don’t (have to)
not have to - shows an action is not necessary
- You don’t have to come.
- You don’t have to read that.
- You don’t have to help
must - shows an action is important and necessary.
- (Q) What must we do?
- (A) You must try harder,
- (N) You mustn’t do that again.
must not - shows an action is forbidden or should not be done.
- You mustn’t be late.
- You mustn’t make say that!
- You mustn’t trust him!
Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!
Grammar Listening Practice
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