B1 Grammar
WP
Word Play
◐ Dark
Home
›
B1
›
Grammar
›
Modals — Advice
Ch 1
Modals — Obligation and Advice
Should, ought to, had better for giving and receiving advice.
need to, needn't, don't have to, should
B1 Pre-intermediate
Modals: Obligation and Advice
need to, needn't, don't have to, should
need to
Important but not a law - personal necessity
have to
Rule or law - external obligation
don't have to / needn't
No obligation - not necessary
should / shouldn't
Advice - right or wrong thing to do
No obligation - three ways
I
don't have to
work on Sundays.
Not required - but I can if I want.
You
needn't
pay for your food.
Not necessary - I am paying.
You
don't need to
bring anything.
Same meaning - slightly more informal.
Don't have to, needn't and don't need to all mean it is NOT necessary, but it is allowed.
Need to vs Have to
need to - personal importance
You
need to be
careful with your passport.
Important but ultimately your choice.
have to - rule or law
You
have to show
your passport at the airport.
Legal requirement - no choice.
Summary
need to / have to
Necessary - something that must be done
don't have to / needn't
Not necessary - no obligation
should / shouldn't
Advice - the right or wrong thing to do
←
→
// Scroll slide content into view on load (function() { var dk = document.getElementById('slide-deck') || document.querySelector('.slide-deck,.deck-content,.slides-container'); if (!dk) { dk = document.querySelector('.slide'); } if (dk) setTimeout(function() { dk.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'start' }); }, 150); })();