Modals of Prohibition

Form

Subject + mustn’t / can’t + Verb

You mustn’t smoke in here.

You can’t park here.


Meanings

Strong Prohibition & Rules

We use mustn’t (must not) to say that something is prohibited or against the rules. It is a very strong modal.

(A sign in a museum) Visitors mustn’t touch the exhibits.

(A parent to a child) You mustn’t talk to strangers.


Remember: Mustn’t is about what is not allowed. It is completely different from don’t have to (not necessary).


Practice exercises