LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

11 Modal auxiliarles and related verbs

11.9

11.9A

Study:

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'It's advisable ...'/'It's necessary ...'

'It's advisable' -* 'It's necessary': 'a scale of choice' [> LEG 11.47]

We can say what, in our opinion, is advisable or necessary on a scale which shows how much

choice there is. We use the following words to give advice or say what is necessary:

1 Should and ought to (= in my opinion it's advisable, but there is some choice):

You should see a doctor. You ought to vote in the next election.

(= That's my advice, but ignore it if you want to.)

2 Had better is stronger, even a warning: You'd better see a doctor.

(= That's my urgent advice. There may be consequences if you ignore it.)

3 Have to, have got to (less formal) and must (= in my opinion, you have no choice):

You have to/have got to/must see a doctor.

(= That's the strongest advice I can give you. Don't ignore it!) [compare > 11.1 OA]

Write: Tick the sentences that mean 'it is/it was advisable' or 'it is/it was necessary'.

advisable necessary

1 You should listen more carefully.

2 I must get to the meeting before 7.30.

3 I'd better hurry, or I'll be late.

4 They should have taken umbrellas with them.

5 She had to complete the test in ten minutes.

6 We ought to have stopped for a meal on the way.

11.9B 'Must', 'have to' and 'have got to' [> LEG 11 48]

1 We often use must, have to and have got to in place of each other, but sometimes not.

2 We tend to prefer must.

• when we refer to ourselves (with l/we): I really must weed this garden.


• with you to express urgency: You must phone home at once.


• in public notices, etc.: Cyclists must dismount.
  
  
  • (= Can't you stop yourself?): Must you interrupt?
  
  
  • pressing invitations or advice: You must come and see us. You must repair that fence.
  
  
  
  

3 We often use have to (or have got to) to refer to outside authority:

I have (got) to pay my road tax soon.

Write: Supply the forms must or have (got) to which 'feel right' in these sentences.

Sometimes more than one form is possible.

1 We really do something about having this house decorated.

2 We pay this electricity bill by the end of the week.

3 You write and let us know you've arrived safely.

4 I be at my desk by 9.00 every morning.

5 We always clock in when we arrive at work.

6 ALL VISITORS REPORT TO THE DUTY OFFICER.

7 you always slam the door when you come in?

8 You really come and see the new extension to our house some day.