Au niveau B1, nous affinons l’usage des modaux pour exprimer des nuances entre l’obligation personnelle (must), l’obligation externe (have to), le conseil (should) et l’interdiction.
1. Obligation : Must vs Have to
- Must : L’obligation vient de celui qui parle (sentiment personnel ou règle forte).
- I must stop smoking. (Je le décide).
- Have to : L’obligation vient d’une règle extérieure, d’une loi ou d’une situation.
- I have to wear a uniform at work.
2. Absence d’obligation : Don’t have to
Attention ! Don’t have to ne signifie pas “interdit”, mais “pas nécessaire”.
- You don’t have to pay. It’s free.
3. Interdiction : Mustn’t
- You mustn’t smoke in here. (C’est interdit).
4. Conseil : Should
On l’utilise pour donner un avis ou une recommandation.
- You should see a doctor.
- You shouldn’t work so hard.
💡 Résumé des nuances
| Modal | Sens | Force |
|---|---|---|
| Must | Obligation personnelle | Forte |
| Have to | Obligation externe | Forte |
| Should | Conseil | Moyenne |
| Mustn’t | Interdiction | Absolue |
| Don’t have to | Pas obligatoire | Nulle (choix) |
À toi de jouer ! ✍️
Choisis le bon modal selon le contexte.
À toi de jouer ! ✍️
#1 In many countries, you have a license to drive a car.
#2 I think you apologize to her. (conseil)
#3 You touch that! It's dangerous.
#4 It's a secret. You tell anyone.
#5 We go now or we'll be late for the meeting.
#6 You (not) wash the car. I've already done it.
#7 Visitors not feed the animals in the zoo.
#8 What I do to improve my English? (demande de conseil)
#9 I remember to buy some milk on my way home.
#10 She work on Saturdays, but she doesn't mind.