Permission and

Obligation Uses and examples

Permission §  To express permission we use

can and can't

In this restaurant you

can pay with cash,

but you can't pay with a credit card.

Obligation §  To express obligation or

necessity we use have to and don't have to

If I want to graduate I have

to study hard

I don't have to drink alcohol when I go out with my friends.

Affirmative Negative Question Short

answer: Yes Short

answer: No

I can study English at ITESO

I can't smoke in

the classrooms

Can you take the TOEFL at ITESO?

Yes, you can take

the TOEFL at ITESO

No, you can't

smoke in the

classrooms

Permission

It is permitted!

It is prohibited!

Affirmative Negative Question Short

answer: Yes Short

answer: No

I have to get at

least an 8 to keep my scholarship

I don't have to take English

classes yet, but I want to finish early

Do you have to go to ITESO today?

Yes, I have to. My English

class is at 9 am.

No, I don't have to go today. I

don't have classes on Fridays.

Obligation

It is an obligation!

It isn't necessary

As a Mexican

citizen... ...what are your permissions and obligations?

I can I can't I have to I don't have to •  I can vote •  I can't work

legally in the US

•  I have to pay taxes

•  I don't have to live in a certain state