Modals and phrases to talk about obligation, permision, necessity, regret or criticism, etc. - Advanced level
💧 Grammar Drops Blog: Modal Confusion? Let's Clear It Up! 💧
"Be not permitted," "had better," "must," and more—what’s the difference?"
Modal verbs and similar expressions can be tricky—especially when they seem so similar. Do I have to go? Am I not allowed or not permitted? Should I have done it, or did I just forget?
Let’s explore 10 commonly confused structures—some subtle, some very clear—and clear up when and how to use them. 💡
✅ 1. Be not permitted / Be not allowed
Both mean something is prohibited—but "not permitted" is more formal or legal-sounding.
- "You are not permitted to park here." (Formal, legal tone)
- "You are not allowed to smoke inside the building." (Still formal, but more everyday usage)
Tip:
✔️ Permitted often appears in rules and regulations.
✔️ Allowed is more flexible in daily conversation.
✅ 2. Had better
This structure expresses strong advice or warning, often with a sense of urgency or consequence.
- "You had better call her before she leaves."
(If you don’t, something bad might happen!)
Compare:
✔️ "Should" is softer: "You should call her."
✔️ "Had better" = Stronger advice, possible consequences.
✅ 3. Ought to
Similar to should, but slightly more formal or old-fashioned in some contexts.
- "You ought to apologize."
= It’s the right or moral thing to do.
Note:
"Ought to" and "should" are often interchangeable, but "ought to" can sound a bit more formal or serious.
✅ 4. Be supposed to
Used for expectations, rules, or things that should happen (but might not actually happen).
-
"You’re supposed to wear a uniform at work."
(That’s the rule or expectation—but maybe not everyone follows it.) -
"This movie is supposed to be really good."
(= People say it’s good / It’s expected to be good.)
✅ 5. Must
Used for strong obligation or necessity. Often sounds very strong or official.
- "You must wear a seatbelt."
(= It’s a law or a very strong rule)
✔️ Use "must" for legal, moral, or serious personal necessity.
✅ 6. Don't have to
This often confuses learners. It does not mean prohibition!
It means there is no obligation. You can, but you don’t need to.
- "You don’t have to come early."
(= You can come early if you want, but it’s not required.)
Compare:
🚫 "You must not come early." = You are not allowed to come early.
✅ "You don’t have to come early." = It’s optional.
✅ 7. Had to
Past of must / have to = past necessity.
- "I had to leave early yesterday."
(= It was necessary in the past)
✅ 8. Needn't
Short for need not. It means it is not necessary (formal British English).
- "You needn’t worry about it."
= You don’t need to worry / It’s not necessary.
Compare:
✔️ "Needn't" and "don’t have to" have a similar meaning.
✔️ "Needn't" sounds more formal or literary.
✅ 9. Should have done something
Used to talk about past regrets or missed obligations/advice.
- "You should have told me the truth."
(= You didn’t, but it was the right thing to do.)
✔️ Often expresses criticism, disappointment, or reflection.
Grammar Drops Blog - Modal Verbs Summary
Expression
Meaning/Use
Example
Be not permitted
Formal prohibition
You are not permitted to park here.
Be not allowed
General prohibition
You are not allowed to smoke here.
Had better
Strong advice or warning
You had better call her before she leaves.
Ought to
Moral recommendation, slightly formal
You ought to apologize.
Be supposed to
Expectation or rule, not always followed
You're supposed to wear a uniform.
Must
Strong obligation or necessity
You must wear a seatbelt.
Don't have to
No obligation
You don’t have to come early.
Had to
Past necessity
I had to leave early yesterday.
Needn’t
No necessity (formal/British English)
You needn’t worry.
Should have done
Past advice or regret
You should have told me.
Do the quiz below on a piece of paper or in your notebook. Then, check your answers using the key on the video that follows this activity.
Expression
Meaning/Use
Example
Be not permitted
Formal prohibition
You are not permitted to park here.
Be not allowed
General prohibition
You are not allowed to smoke here.
Had better
Strong advice or warning
You had better call her before she leaves.
Ought to
Moral recommendation, slightly formal
You ought to apologize.
Be supposed to
Expectation or rule, not always followed
You're supposed to wear a uniform.
Must
Strong obligation or necessity
You must wear a seatbelt.
Don't have to
No obligation
You don’t have to come early.
Had to
Past necessity
I had to leave early yesterday.
Needn’t
No necessity (formal/British English)
You needn’t worry.
Should have done
Past advice or regret
You should have told me.
📝 QUIZ TIME: Can you tell the difference?
Choose the best option for each sentence:
1. You _______ to leave now. The meeting starts in an hour.
a) had better
b) ought
c) don’t have
2. Students _______ eat in the classroom.
a) are not permitted
b) don’t have to
c) had better
3. You _______ cleaned your room. It’s a mess!
a) must have
b) should have
c) needn’t
4. I _______ bring an umbrella. It’s sunny today.
a) must
b) needn’t
c) should have
5. We _______ wear a helmet when we ride a bike. It’s the law.
a) ought to
b) are supposed to
c) must
6. You _______ call her now, or she’ll leave!
a) had better
b) needn’t
c) don’t have to
7. He _______ finish the report yesterday.
a) had to
b) must
c) should
8. She _______ be here by 8, but she’s always late.
a) should
b) is supposed to
c) had better
Play the video and check your answers:
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