We are going to learn how modal verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
We learned the following in the past sections:
Should = good idea
Have to = trouble if we don’t
Must= something we feel is needed
We learned that have to and must are usually quite similar.
However, if we make these modals negative, the meanings are very different.
We shouldn’t spend too much time planning.
Shouldn’t we arrive a bit earlier?
I mustn’t stay up late tonight.
I don’t have to go to that meeting.
Do I not have to CC everyone in these emails?
Shouldn’t = bad idea.
Simply, shouldn’t is a direct opposite to give advice or talk about
I shouldn’t spend too much money
We shouldn’t eat junk food everyday
And of course, we can use it for advice
He shouldn’t email us after 8pm
You shouldn’t argue with your colleagues.
In a question, it can be used as a strong suggestion; we are asking why not?
Shouldn’t we tell our manager about the problem?
Shouldn’t I try to finish this as soon as possible?
Don’t have to = choice
When we have a choice, we can use don’t have to. It is optional.
I don’t have to make a presentation but it might be a good idea.
I don’t have to go to the office today.
We don’t have to worry about it.
They don’t have to tell us if it’s not important.
We can also use this to check what we have to do. The nuance is ‘think we need to do this’.
Don’t we have to present the data in the meeting?
Doesn’t she have to finish this today?
Don’t I have to reserve the room?
Mustn’t = very bad thing!
We use mustn’t for rules we must follow and very strong advice.
We mustn’t forget our security passes.
You mustn’t wear sneakers to the office.
I mustn’t share this confidential information
You mustn’t try to fix everything yourself
She mustn’t get so upset in meetings.
