Question

You have to look after your aged parents This sentence expresses. .................

• A. A suggestion
• B. A permission
• C. An enquiry
• D. An obligation

Answer 1

Answer:

D. An obligation

Understanding Sentence Types and Obligations in English Grammar

• Sentences in English can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Common types include declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
• The sentence 'You have to look after your aged parents' falls under a specific category related to the speaker's intent.
• Obligation refers to a moral or legal duty that compels an individual to act in a certain way.
• In grammar, sentences expressing obligation often use modal verbs like 'have to', 'must', or 'should'.

• Exam Relevance:

  • Competitive exams frequently test the ability to identify the mood or type of a sentence, especially those conveying obligation, necessity, or advice.
  • Recognizing 'have to' and 'must' as indicators of obligation is a key skill for answering such questions accurately.
  • Understanding the subtle differences between obligation (a strong duty) and advice (a recommendation) is also crucial.
  • For instance, 'You must attend the meeting' expresses a strong obligation, while 'You should study for the exam' expresses advice or a weaker obligation.

• Key Grammatical Points:

  • Modal Verbs: Words like 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'shall', 'should', 'will', 'would', and 'must' modify the meaning of other verbs and often indicate mood or modality.
  • 'Have to': This construction is very common in expressing external obligations or necessities, often imposed by rules or circumstances. It is equivalent to 'must' in many contexts but is not a modal verb itself.
  • 'Must': Typically used for strong internal or external obligations, prohibitions, or logical certainty.
  • 'Should': Primarily used to express advice, recommendations, or a milder form of obligation.
• The sentence in question clearly indicates a duty or responsibility that the subject ('You') is expected to fulfill towards their parents, making 'obligation' the correct classification of the sentence's expression.