Match the modals with their meanings
Should, Must, Have to
Should is used to give advice and to make recommendations. It is also used to express obligation and expectation. But it isn't strong advice or recommendations, so it means that the person has a choice to do it or not. e.g. I think you should visit the doctor.
To make it negative you need to add not. e.g. He shouldn't have talked to the teacher like that.
Must is a modal verb most commonly used to express certainty and personal decision. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation. e.g. He must finish the work until Friday.
Must not can be used to express prohibition. e.g. You mustn't touch this wire. It can be dangerous for your health.
Don't forget that must doesn't have past form.
Have to is used to express certainty, necessity, and obligation. We mostly use have to when we talk about the obligation to do something especially if you have some external factors. It is modal equivalent to the must, especially if we need to express obligation or necessity in the past. e.g. I have to wear a uniform at work. (It is not your decision, it's the rule of the company).
- Should/Ought to
- Have to
- Must
- Had to
- [ ] — expresses duty, weak obligation.
- [ ] — expresses a strong necessity to do something under certain circumstances.
- [ ] — expresses a strong obligation to do something, law or rule.
- [ ] — expresses past duty, obligation or necessity.