Workplace rules: using 'must' for obligation

A2
90 min
Premium
1

Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. What is an important rule at your work or school?
  2. Why do some companies have a dress code (special rules for clothes)?
  3. What clothes do you think are professional for an office? What clothes are not professional?
2

Office Rules

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Key vocabulary

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you talk about workplace rules.
Examples
Follow the rules — to do what a rule says you must do.
This is a common phrase for any situation with rules, like at work, school, or in a game.
Smart casual — a style of clothing that is neat and professional, but not formal like a suit.
Many offices have a 'smart casual' dress code. If you are not sure, it's always okay to ask what it means.
Show up on time — to arrive at the correct time, not late.
This is a very important rule at most jobs. You can also say 'be on time' or 'be punctual'.
Is it okay if I...? — a polite question to ask for permission to do something.
Use this to ask your manager about something you are not sure about. For example, 'Is it okay if I wear trainers?'
Against the rules — not allowed by the rules.
This is the opposite of 'following the rules'. For example, 'Using your phone for personal calls is against the rules'.
4

Workplace vocabulary

Learn some new words about rules at work.

Match the words on the left with their meanings on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
5

Grammar: using 'must' for rules and obligation

Grammar
We use the modal verb 'must' to talk about strong rules or obligations. It is often used for official or written rules, like in a company policy. We use 'must not' or 'mustn't' for things that are not allowed.
Examples
You must wear your ID card at all times.
This is a strong rule for everyone in the company.
Employees must not use their phones for personal calls in the office.
We use 'must not' or 'mustn't' for things that are prohibited.
All staff must arrive on time for their shift.
The form is the same for all subjects: I, you, he, she, we, they must.
Key points
  • 'Must' is for strong rules and obligations.
  • The negative form is 'must not' or 'mustn't'.
  • Don't add 'to' after 'must'. Say 'You must wear a helmet', not 'You must to wear a helmet'.
6

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01Every company has that employees must follow.
02You must not be for work. Please arrive at 9 am.
03At the cafe, all staff must wear a black t-shirt and trousers as their .
04If you want to leave early, you must your manager first.
05It is important to be to your colleagues and customers.
7

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. In your country, is it common for companies to have a strict dress code? Do you think this is a good idea?
  2. Which rule is more important at work: you must show up on time, or you must always do high-quality work? Why?
  3. Imagine your company has a 'smart casual' dress code. A new employee wears very old jeans with holes. Is this against the rules? What could you say to them?