EXPRESS PERMISSION,

OBLIGATION, AND
PROHIBITION USING

MODALS
Directions: Guess the words described below. Use the boxes as your
clue.
1. This is a type of modal which indicates that something should not be done
or that someone must not do something.
P_ _ _ I_I_I_N
2. This type of modal is used to express responsibility or commitment.
Examples of this modal are must and have to.

O _L _ _ A _ _ 0 _
3. This is a type of modal which is used to express consent or approval.
Examples of this modal are can and could.

P _ _ M _ _ __ _ N
4. This verb form is use to express a degree of certainty about an outcome
or the possibility of something.
_ O _ A _ S
 Watch the video on Expressing Permission, Prohibition and Obligation using modals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXOwpaFkM3A

Directions: Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal verbs inside
the box.
must can have to mustn’t
can’t
1. When you are a driver, you____ stop on red lights.
2. Children____ stay in their rooms during playtime.
3. We____ be there before the contest starts or else we will be
disqualified.
4. I ______ get a connection in my phone. May I borrow yours?
5. The rules state that you ____ invite only one guest to the
party.
6. People ____ smoke in public places.
7. Students ___ manage their time carefully when taking a
timed test.
Match Maker!
Directions: Match the first part of the sentence in Column A with the
appropriate part in Column B.
Directions: Read each item carefully, then choose the letter that signify the
highlighted modals on each item. Choose your answer from the box.

a. permission b. prohibition c. possibility d.

obligation
1. “I used to go out a lot with my friends, but now, we are always told that we
have to stay at home.”
2. “As you know, both of my parents are working in a hospital, so they can’t be
with us right now.”

3. “I just wish that someday, we can all go back to what used to be the old
normal.”

4. “We should be all thankful to the Heavens above.”

5. “We should be all thankful to the Heavens above.” The sentence is trying to
give you…
a. a piece of advice b. a moral obligation from
someone
Directions: Read each item carefully, then choose the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. Which modal verb expresses permission?

a) must b) can c) must not

2. True or False: "You must wear a helmet when riding a bike" expresses prohibition.

3.Fill in the blank: "You _____ go to the party if you finish your homework."

4. Which of the following is a correct statement of prohibition?

a) You may leave early.
b) You must not talk during the movie.
c) You should study for the test.

5.True or False: "You might want to try the new restaurant" expresses obligation.

6.True or False: "You may not enter the classroom after the bell rings" is an example of
permission.

7.Fill in the blank: "Students _____ submit their projects on time.“

8. What is the difference between "can" and "may" in terms of permission?

9. What modal verb would you use to ask for permission to use someone's phone?

10. “I used to go out a lot with my friends, but now, we are always told that we have to stay at
home.” What does the highlighted modal signify?

B. The following sentences show situations that show love, concern, and care within families.
Read each sentence carefully and choose the best modal to complete the blanks.
6. Why ________ I not care about your problems? I am your mother.
a. can b. should c. may d. can’t
7. Joe and Bec kept on forgiving their daughter. They ________ let her live a hopeless life.
a. can b. must c. can’t d. should
8. We ________ eat at “Tabing Ilog Restaurant” tonight for our parents’ anniversary. People
have good feedback about their food.
a. should b. must c. have to d. can’t
9. Anyone who makes a visit to other families ________ show his/her respect.
a. must b. should c. may d. can’t
10. P1: When is Julie coming?
P2: She came far from the province. She ________ be here any
minute.
a. can’t b. has to c. should d.
must
11. P1: ________ my friend sleep over?
P2: Yes, but she’ll have to get permission from her parents.
a. can b. should c. must d.
have to
12. ________ you always be so mean to everyone?
a. Can b. Must c. Mustn’t d.
Can’t
13. ________ you please try to be nicer to your brother?
a. Must b. Can c. Can’t d. Should
14. I ________ get to my cousin’s party earlier. She is expecting me.
a. Can’t b. Have to c. Mustn’t d. May
A. "You are planning a school event, and you need to
decide on the rules for participation. “
What permissions will you give?
What obligations will the participants have?
What prohibitions will you enforce?"

Instructions: With your partner brainstorm and write down your

proposed rules using modal verbs .
 What permissions will you give?
 What obligations will the participants have?
 What prohibitions will you enforce?"
B. Asking Permission. Directions: How would you show respect to
your parents by asking permission in these situations? Use Can I…? or
May I…? and these verbs: stay, give, talk, rest, cook.
Example: You need to buy a camera, but you don’t have enough
money.
Answer: Can I use your credit card? I promise to pay.
1. You are at a friend’s house. You want to stay overnight.
2. You need extra money. You know your parents are strict about it.
3. Your parents have a visitor, but you need to tell them something
urgent.
4. Your parents want you to come to a family reunion, but you are
very sick.
5. You have loads of school work, but your parents want you to
prepare the dinner.

C. Giving Prohibition. Directions: How do you help your friends to