Advice Obligation Necessity - Modal Point - BE 3 - Unit 7 Culture

1. Advice

We can use should and shouldn’t to give or ask for advice.

Global companies should never underestimate the effect that culture can have.

We can use must or mustn’t for strong advice.

2. Obligation / necessity

We often use must when the obligation comes from the person speaking or writing.

We must show more culture understanding.

We use mustn’t to say something is prohibited or is not allowed.

You mustn’t smoke inside any building.

We often use have to to show that the obligation comes from another person or institution, not speaker.

You have to get a visa to enter the country. (this is the law).

3. Lack of obligation / lack of necessity

Don’t have to = it is not necessary

You don’t have to hurry. We have a plenty of time. 


Example in Culture:

When working in a difference culture, you should use humour carefully because it can be easily misunderstood.

At my company it is ok to be a couple minutes late for a meeting, but you shouldn’t interrupt a more senior person when they talk.

In my country, you don’t have to tip waiters, but many people often leave a tip to show their appreciation.
When you arrive at a meeting, you can shake hands with everyone, but don’t have to. In our culture, it is really up to each individual.

We were under intense pressure because we knew we had to make a decision the next day.

Our Korean guests are arriving tomorrow. It is a great pity you have to go to that trader fair.

In China, you mustn’t open your gift immediately, otherwise people will be terribly embarrassed. Wait till you are home to open it.

Is some countries, you mustn’t keep eye contact for very long. People think it is extremely rude.

  

Your are not allowed to smoke at work. It is against the rules.

You mustn’t smoke at work. It is against the rule.

It is a good idea if you make a small talk at the beginning of the negotiation.

You should make a small talk at the beginning of the negotiation.

It is not necessary to buy expensive gifts.

You don’t have to buy expensive gifts.

It is not a good idea to refuse to sing if you are invited to when you are in south Korea.

You shouldn’t refuse to sing if you are invited to when you are in south Korea.

It is necessary to learn a few greeting and basic phrases if you want to make a good impression.

You have to learn a few greeting and basic phrases if you want to make a good impression.

You are not allowed to change money in the street. It is against the law.

You mustn’t change money in the street. It is against the law.

It is not advisable to give only yes or no answer. People would like to get to know you.

You shouldn’t give only yes or no answer. People would like to get to know you.