English 24
5th July 2003
A little bit of GRAMMAR

Hi Guys!

This week we gave you a few handy hints on obligation. So just to refresh your memory, here's a quick reminder with a simple practice exercise so you don't have to work those brain cells too hard in the summer heat!

In obligation MUST is an instruction or a command; that's why we see it written on notices, for example:
§ Animals must not enter this shop.
§ Dogs must be kept on a lead.
§ An adult must accompany children.
§ Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Have (got) to says that circumstances oblige you to do something: Very often the two meanings overlap and there will be a choice of how to express the obligation, but be careful, because as usual in English this is not always the case.

Example situations:

§ I must get my hair cut
(a command to myself)

§ I've got to get my hair cut. I'm going to a wedding next week.
(circumstances )

§ There's no public transport where I live, so I have to walk to work.
(circumstances)

§ I really must buy the new Harry Potter book to read at the weekend.
(command to myself)

Other obligation vocabulary:
§ The travel company is obliged to give a refund if the holiday is cancelled.
§ If you work you are liable to pay tax. (liable=formal /legalistic language)
§ In some countries the death sentence/death penalty is mandatory for drug smuggling. (automatic; there is no alternative)
§ Sport was compulsory/obligatory at my school. (we had no choice)
§ Whereas in my cousin's school, sport was optional. (you can choose)
§ In England if you are a full time student, you are exempt from paying tax. (free from obligation)

We're so good to you in summer, here's just a little practice exercise for you to have a go at. Next week we'll continue with obligations, with more info on must and have to…

Exercise 1
Insert an "obligation" word into the gaps in these sentences.

1. When buying a holiday, you don't have to buy travel insurance, it's ________, although if you're going someplace like the United States, I would recommend buying both travel and medical insurance.
2. When you move into new rented accommodation you usually ______ pay two months deposit.
3. I spilt red wine on this dress. I really____ take it to the dry cleaners. 4. I didn't want to do science at school, but I had to. It's ______ in all secondary schools.
5. The politician wanted to pay a fine, but a he wasn't allowed to, because a prison sentence is ______ for drunk and dangerous driving.
6. If you're over 60, pregnant or have a chronic medical condition, you're ____ from prescription charges.

(Note that don't have to means something is not necessary /not obligatory)

Answers
1. optional; 2. have to; 3. must; 4. compulsory; 5. mandatory; 6. exempt