💋 Waking up is the hardest part.
The sun is streaming through the blinds, your head is pounding, and you’re in a bed you don't recognize. Welcome to the morning after. To navigate this highly awkward situation with grace, you need to understand the rules. Do you have to make them coffee? Should you leave your number? You definitely mustn't steal their favorite hoodie. Let's master Modals of Obligation so you don't overstay your welcome.
- Overstay your welcome (phrase): To stay at someone's house for too long until they secretly want you to leave.
- Leg it (verb - slang): To run away very quickly to escape an awkward or dangerous situation.
1. The Cheeky Dictionary: 8 Words for the Great Escape
Practice: drag a word, or select it and choose a gap.
1. I need to use your bathroom to before I call an Uber.
2. It was so when his flatmate walked into the kitchen while I was making tea.
3. Don't in the bedroom all morning, they probably have things to do.
4. He was still snoring, so I decided to grab my shoes and .
5. It's freezing outside. Can I your oversized hoodie?
6. I had to invent a fake about a family emergency so I could .
Choose a word, then choose a gap.
2. Grammar Mechanics: The Rules of Obligation
In English, how strong your obligation is depends entirely on the modal verb you choose. Look at the chart below so you don't confuse good advice with a strict rule!
| Modal Verb | What it means | Cheeky Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must / Have to | 100% Obligation. You have no choice. It's a strict rule. | "You must find your socks before you leave." |
| Mustn't | 100% Forbidden. Do not do this under any circumstances. | "You mustn't wake them up if you are sneaking out." |
| Don't have to | 0% Obligation. It is completely your choice. It's not necessary. | "You don't have to stay for breakfast if you feel awkward." |
| Should / Shouldn't | Good Advice. It's not a rule, but it's a very good idea. | "You should probably wash your face. You have mascara everywhere." |
3. Reading: The Panic Text
Notice how Matt gives Leo advice and sets the rules for the morning escape!
4. Interactive Practice: Following the Rules
Exercise A: Mustn't or Don't Have To?
Remember: 'Mustn't' means DO NOT DO IT. 'Don't have to' means it's your choice.
1. "You look through his phone while he is in the shower! That's toxic!"
2. "You give me your number if you don't want to. It's totally fine."
3. "I have work at 9 AM, so I leave right now."
Exercise B: Give Some Advice
Use 'should' or 'shouldn't' to give advice for these awkward situations.
1. (He wants to add her on LinkedIn the morning after.)
Advice: You definitely do that. It's so weird!
2. (She wants to steal his favorite jumper because she is cold.)
Advice: You ask him before you borrow it.
5. Speaking Practice: Spilling the Tea ☕
- What is the golden rule of waking up at someone else's house? What must you always do?
- If you wake up and the other person is still asleep, should you wake them up to say goodbye, or should you just sneak out?
- Do you think you have to offer someone breakfast if they stay at your place, or is it okay to tell them to leave?
- What is one thing you absolutely mustn't do the morning after a one-night stand?
- Have you ever had an incredibly awkward encounter with a date's flatmate? What happened?