Rules Responsibilities and Freedom

MEET & SPEAK  |  INTERMEDIATE  |  10 NOVEMBER 2026

Compare workplace rules and practise mustn’t versus don’t have to.

REVIEW

What would you say? Choose the phrase that fits each situation.

deal with  ·  learn on the job  ·  be responsible for  ·  get the hang of something  ·  work closely with

1. You learn a new skill by doing the actual work, without a formal course.

2. You and a colleague do most tasks together and share information every day.

3. The system was confusing at first, but now you understand how to use it.

4. It is your job to organise the team’s weekly schedule.

5. Customers send questions and complaints, and you handle them.

GRAMMAR

Have to / has to and must express necessity. Have to is common for everyday rules. Must can add emphasis or express a strong personal priority. Both can describe rules.

Form: She has to start at eight. She must start at eight.
Use the basic verb form after both patterns; no to or -s after must.

Don’t / doesn’t have to = not necessary; you can choose.
You don’t have to wear a tie. It’s optional.

Mustn’t = not allowed. You mustn’t share your password.

Questions: Do you have to work late? Does she have to ask first?

Past necessity: use had to. In my last job, I had to wear a uniform.

Fill in the blanks. Use forms of have to or must. Use do / does in 6–7. Some positive sentences have two possible answers.

1. You ______________ share your password. It’s against the rules.

2. We ______________ wear a tie. It’s optional.

3. Anna ______________ come in tomorrow. It’s her day off.

4. Everyone ______________ wear a helmet. It’s a site rule.

5. I ______________ finish this today. It’s essential.

6. ________ you ______________ work at weekends?

7. ________ she ______________ ask before leaving early?

8. In my last job, I ______________ wear a uniform.

Grammar reference: British Council — Modals permission and obligation

USEFUL LANGUAGE

BREAKOUT ROOMS

Talk about current or previous jobs, studying or everyday responsibilities.

Roleplay: choose a real or imaginary workplace. A is a new colleague. Ask about starting times, clothes and personal calls. B explains two things staff have to do, one thing they mustn’t do and one thing they don’t have to do. A asks for one exception. Agree or explain why not, then swap roles.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

Take turns. Give your own answers; the examples are only ideas. Ask follow-up questions and compare your experiences.

1. What do you have to do before you can start work each day?

Example: I have to check the bookings and prepare the room. It only takes ten minutes, but I can’t skip it.

2. When do you have to ask for permission? When can you decide for yourself?

Example: I have to ask for permission to leave early. I don’t have to check with anyone before taking a short break.

3. Which workplace rule makes sense to you? What problem does it prevent?

Example: We must keep customer information private. It’s a sensible rule because people need to trust us.

4. Have you ever had to follow a rule that seemed pointless? What was it?

Example: We had to attend a meeting every morning, even when there was nothing to discuss. I thought an email would be enough.

5. What must people never do in your workplace? Why is it important?

Example: You mustn’t take photos of customers without permission. Some people really don’t want their picture online.

6. When is it reasonable to make an exception to a rule? Give an example.

Example: We can make an exception when someone has a family emergency. They don’t have to explain every detail.

7. What happens when someone realises they won’t meet a deadline?

Example: They have to tell the team straight away. We can often change the plan, but we mustn’t pretend everything is fine.

8. Do you have a say in how your team works? What would you like to decide?

Example: We have a say in how we divide the work. We don’t have to do every task in the same way.

9. What did you have to do in the past that you don’t have to do now?

Example: I had to wear a uniform in my first job. Now I don’t have to, and I enjoy choosing my own clothes.

10. If you could change one rule at work, what would you change? Who would benefit?

Example: I’d let people choose when to start, as long as the work gets done. We don’t all have to arrive together.

Go further: agree on one rule your ideal workplace must have and one thing staff don’t have to do.