Obligation Using “have to”, “supposed to”, and “ought to”

1. Have to
When you are using “have to/has to” its power resembles ‘must’, which means you don’t
have a choice and you must follow/do what you are told,
Example :
 John has to go to work every day.
 The students have to study tonight.
 You have to know the consequences of your actions.

2. Supposed to
“Supposes to” may mean an obligation. It is something that you should do, but it is also okay
if you choose not to do it. Still, it is better that you do it because it is either good or beneficial
for you use ‘supposed to”.
Example :
 You are supposed to stay in the class today
 You are supposed to be in the work
 Emma is supposed to stay in her dorm tonight
“Supposed to” may also mean that you are told/have been told to do something, but you
didn’t do it.
Example :
 Sally was supposed to meet her friend tonight. ( But in fact she didn’t )
 All of the employees were supposed to attend today’s meeting. ( But in fact they didn’t )

3. Ought to
“Ought to” means a suggestion. You had better do something but you don’t have to do it if
you don’t want to.
Example :
 We ought to clean the house today. ( We had better do it, but it is still okay if we don’t )
 Phillip ought to help you with the homework. ( Although it is completely fine if he
chooses not to )
Exercise

The Differentiation of Law in The UK ans Indonesia

The United Kingdom is a part of Europe, which has various heritages and culture. This
country exhibits some of the most liberal public policies. In the UK, there is no specific rule
against naked sunbathing.
Indonesia is also rich in cultures from many regions. Indonesia has stipulated certain
norms. Due to the strong sense of tradition and religious acculturation, Indonesia is more
stringent than the UK in term of public policy. Indonesia and UK have different laws. However,
there are some rules that are similar. Here are public policies found in both UK and Indonesia:
 People drive on the left
 Voting is not compulsory
 Buying cigarettes is only allowed if one is at least 18 years old
 There is no prohibition on smoking or playing football in any public areas.
 ID cards are not compulsory
 Weapons are prohibited
 Pubs close at 11 p.m.
 Military service is not compulsory
 Minimum age for driving a moped is 16
 Resident registration is not obligatory.
 Requiring a license to own pets
 Minimum age are for entering pubs or bars is 17

Categorize the public policies from text above to Indonesia or UK. Put a tick ‘√’ for each
correct policy.

Policy UK Indonesia
 You have to put on clothes when walking on the street √ √
1. You must drive on the left side of the road
2. You don’t have to vote
3. You must be at least 18 years old to buy cigarettes.
4. You don’t have to wear helmet when riding a bike
5. You can’t smoke in any public place. This include football
matches.
6. People don’t have to have ID cards.
7. You have to pay for a TV license to own a TV.
8. Usually, pubs must close at 11 p.m.
9. You are not allowed to carry anything which may be
considered a weapon
10. You mustn’t drive at more than 70 mph on the motorway
11. Nude some is allowed on some beaches
12. People are not allowed to beg in the street and buskers on the
underground must have a license.
13. Everyone in a car – front and back seats – must wear a seatbelt.
14. You don’t have to have private health insurance.
15. Gun ownership is strictly controlled ( you must have a license )
and automatic weapons are not allowed.
16. You don’t have to military service.
17. You must be at least 16 years old to drive a moped
18. You don’t have to register where you live.
19. You have to have a license to own a dog.
20. Generally, anyone under 16 isn’t allowed to enter pubs or bars.