Intermediate120 min
Necessity, prohibition and permission
Necessity
We can use structures with need to express necessity, when the focus is on the action, not the person who does
the action.
We can use need + -ing form. This is often used to talk about chores or things we haven’t had time to do yet.
The lightbulb in the kitchen needs changing.
Your nails need redoing.
We can also use need + the passive infinitive.
The TV needs to be repaired.
The meat needs to be cooked for a bit longer.
We can also use must, need to and have to to express necessity, when the focus is on the person who does the
action.
You need to apply for a visa before you travel.
You have to speak to the manager if you want a refund.
the action.
We can use need + -ing form. This is often used to talk about chores or things we haven’t had time to do yet.
The lightbulb in the kitchen needs changing.
Your nails need redoing.
We can also use need + the passive infinitive.
The TV needs to be repaired.
The meat needs to be cooked for a bit longer.
We can also use must, need to and have to to express necessity, when the focus is on the person who does the
action.
You need to apply for a visa before you travel.
You have to speak to the manager if you want a refund.
Prohibition
We use be + not + allowed to when someone does not have permission to do something or it is against the rules
or illegal. We can use it with different forms of be, to talk about the present or the past.
You’re not allowed to park there.
We weren’t allowed to stay out aft er midnight.
We can use forbid or be forbidden in formal sentences. It is
often used in the passive form.
The museum forbids photography.
Feeding the animals is forbidden.
We can also say that something is not or was not permitted in formal sentences.
Liquids are not permitted inside hand luggage.
Phones were not permitted in the classroom.
We can also use mustn’t, can’t and couldn’t to express prohibition.
You mustn’t talk during the exam.
Without a credit card, you can’t rent a car.
or illegal. We can use it with different forms of be, to talk about the present or the past.
You’re not allowed to park there.
We weren’t allowed to stay out aft er midnight.
We can use forbid or be forbidden in formal sentences. It is
often used in the passive form.
The museum forbids photography.
Feeding the animals is forbidden.
We can also say that something is not or was not permitted in formal sentences.
Liquids are not permitted inside hand luggage.
Phones were not permitted in the classroom.
We can also use mustn’t, can’t and couldn’t to express prohibition.
You mustn’t talk during the exam.
Without a credit card, you can’t rent a car.
Permission
We use allow and be allowed to to express permission. In
the active form, we use allow + object + infinitive with to.
I allowed her to borrow my car.
We were allowed to retake the exam.
We can use permit and be permitted to in more formal sentences. In the active form, we use permit + object + infinitive with to.
The rules permit players to take a ten-minute break between games.
Dogs are permitted inside the building.
the active form, we use allow + object + infinitive with to.
I allowed her to borrow my car.
We were allowed to retake the exam.
We can use permit and be permitted to in more formal sentences. In the active form, we use permit + object + infinitive with to.
The rules permit players to take a ten-minute break between games.
Dogs are permitted inside the building.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Which sentence correctly uses 'need' to show necessity for the action?
The project needs finishing by Friday.
The project needs to finish by Friday.
The project need finishing by Friday.
The Art of Doing
Have you ever underestimated the power of simply starting something new? Many people misunderstand the process of achievement. They incorrectly believe that extraordinary talent is essential to succeed. However, research often shows that many successful individuals are not innately gifted, but instead demonstrate consistent effort and determination. This discussion will help you understand how the art of doing can transform not only your productivity, but your entire approach to life.
Sometimes, individuals overcomplicate their goals. They become overwhelmed or demotivated by the seemingly insurmountable challenges ahead. Instead, it is beneficial to break down tasks into manageable steps. By identifying the unavoidable small actions, you make progress more achievable. You might have previously experienced a time when you were unmotivated, but by taking a single step, you felt re-energized and able to continue.
Misinterpreting your own motivations is common. Many people believe that motivation arrives before action, but the opposite is often true. By proactively starting—even if you feel unprepared or incomplete—you can unexpectedly trigger enthusiasm and confidence. If you disconnect action from the need for motivation, you disempower excuses and gain control of your progress.
Overthinking can also be a barrier. When you repeatedly replay the same thoughts or doubts, you unintentionally paralyze yourself. This overanalysis creates unnecessary stress and reduces efficiency. To overcome this, it is effective to focus on the process, not perfection. Mistakes are unavoidable and often unimportant, especially if you treat each setback as an opportunity to refocus and improve.
Sometimes, you may be reluctant to try due to the fear of failure or disappointment. This fear can unconsciously influence your decisions. The solution is to reframe difficulties as temporary obstacles rather than permanent barriers. If you approach challenges as opportunities to outgrow your previous limitations, you increase your resilience.
In addition, it is useful to regularly re-evaluate your habits and routines. Habits are not unchangeable; they can be reconstructed or updated to better support your ambitions. If a routine is ineffective, reconsider its purpose and integrate new activities that reinforce your goals. Frequently, people underestimate the benefit of small adjustments—they can trigger disproportionate improvements over time.
Remember, you do not need to outperform others. The aim is to outdo your previous self. A comparison with others is avoidable and usually unhelpful.
Consistency is essential for sustainable success. Repeated actions, even when progress is invisible, accumulate into remarkable results. When you commit to consistent practice, you unlock your potential and become more adaptable to unexpected situations.
Sometimes, external influences—such as discouraging comments or misunderstandings—may temporarily interrupt your journey. However, if you are persistent, you can counteract negativity and maintain your direction. With this approach, your achievements become the result of your deliberate action, not accidental luck.
By embracing the art of doing, you transform not only what you accomplish but also how you perceive yourself. Every attempt, even those that do not immediately succeed, is an investment in your long-term growth. So, initiate, persevere, and allow your actions to redefine what is possible for you.
Sometimes, individuals overcomplicate their goals. They become overwhelmed or demotivated by the seemingly insurmountable challenges ahead. Instead, it is beneficial to break down tasks into manageable steps. By identifying the unavoidable small actions, you make progress more achievable. You might have previously experienced a time when you were unmotivated, but by taking a single step, you felt re-energized and able to continue.
Misinterpreting your own motivations is common. Many people believe that motivation arrives before action, but the opposite is often true. By proactively starting—even if you feel unprepared or incomplete—you can unexpectedly trigger enthusiasm and confidence. If you disconnect action from the need for motivation, you disempower excuses and gain control of your progress.
Overthinking can also be a barrier. When you repeatedly replay the same thoughts or doubts, you unintentionally paralyze yourself. This overanalysis creates unnecessary stress and reduces efficiency. To overcome this, it is effective to focus on the process, not perfection. Mistakes are unavoidable and often unimportant, especially if you treat each setback as an opportunity to refocus and improve.
Sometimes, you may be reluctant to try due to the fear of failure or disappointment. This fear can unconsciously influence your decisions. The solution is to reframe difficulties as temporary obstacles rather than permanent barriers. If you approach challenges as opportunities to outgrow your previous limitations, you increase your resilience.
In addition, it is useful to regularly re-evaluate your habits and routines. Habits are not unchangeable; they can be reconstructed or updated to better support your ambitions. If a routine is ineffective, reconsider its purpose and integrate new activities that reinforce your goals. Frequently, people underestimate the benefit of small adjustments—they can trigger disproportionate improvements over time.
Remember, you do not need to outperform others. The aim is to outdo your previous self. A comparison with others is avoidable and usually unhelpful.
Consistency is essential for sustainable success. Repeated actions, even when progress is invisible, accumulate into remarkable results. When you commit to consistent practice, you unlock your potential and become more adaptable to unexpected situations.
Sometimes, external influences—such as discouraging comments or misunderstandings—may temporarily interrupt your journey. However, if you are persistent, you can counteract negativity and maintain your direction. With this approach, your achievements become the result of your deliberate action, not accidental luck.
By embracing the art of doing, you transform not only what you accomplish but also how you perceive yourself. Every attempt, even those that do not immediately succeed, is an investment in your long-term growth. So, initiate, persevere, and allow your actions to redefine what is possible for you.
- underestimate (verb, prefix: under-): To judge something as less important, powerful, or difficult than it actually is.
- misunderstand (verb, prefix: mis-): To interpret or understand something wrongly.
- incorrectly (adverb, prefix: in-): In a false or wrong way.
- extraordinary (adjective, prefix: extra-): Very unusual or remarkable, beyond what is usual.
- innately (adverb, prefix: in-): Naturally, from birth or existing as a basic part.
- overcomplicate (verb, prefix: over-): To make something more complicated than necessary.
- overwhelmed (adjective, prefix: over-): Feeling unable to cope because of too much pressure or difficulty.
- demotivated (adjective, prefix: de-): Lacking motivation or enthusiasm.
- insurmountable (adjective, prefix: in-): Too difficult to overcome or deal with.
- unmotivated (adjective, prefix: un-): Lacking motivation.
- re-energized (verb, prefix: re-): To regain energy or motivation.
- misinterpreting (verb, prefix: mis-): Understanding something incorrectly.
- proactively (adverb, prefix: pro-): Taking action in anticipation of future problems or needs.
- unprepared (adjective, prefix: un-): Not ready.
- incomplete (adjective, prefix: in-): Not finished or missing parts.
- unexpectedly (adverb, prefix: un-): In a way that was not expected.
- disconnect (verb, prefix: dis-): To separate or detach.
- disempower (verb, prefix: dis-): To make someone less confident or powerful.
- replay (verb, prefix: re-): To play or think about again.
- unintentionally (adverb, prefix: un-): Without intending to; accidentally.
- overanalysis (noun, prefix: over-): The act of thinking about something too much or in too much detail.
- unnecessary (adjective, prefix: un-): Not needed or essential.
- refocus (verb, prefix: re-): To focus again after distraction.
- improve (verb, prefix: im-): To make better.
- reluctant (adjective, prefix: re-): Hesitant or unwilling.
- disappointment (noun, prefix: dis-): Feeling unhappy because something didn’t meet expectations.
- unconsciously (adverb, prefix: un-): Without awareness.
- reframe (verb, prefix: re-): To think about something differently.
- outgrow (verb, prefix: out-): To become too big for something or to move beyond it.
- re-evaluate (verb, prefix: re-): To assess again to make changes.
- unchangeable (adjective, prefix: un-): Not able to be changed.
- reconstructed (verb, prefix: re-): To build or put together again.
- ineffective (adjective, prefix: in-): Not producing the desired effect.
- reconsider (verb, prefix: re-): To think again, possibly changing a decision.
- reinforce (verb, prefix: re-): To strengthen or support.
- disproportionate (adjective, prefix: dis-): Too large or too small compared to something else.
- outperform (verb, prefix: out-): To do better than others.
- outdo (verb, prefix: out-): To do better or surpass.
- avoidable (adjective, prefix: a- / ab-): Possible to prevent.
- invisible (adjective, prefix: in-): Not able to be seen.
- unintentional (adjective, prefix: un-): Not done on purpose.
- persistent (adjective, prefix: per-): Continuing firmly even with difficulties.
- counteract (verb, prefix: counter-): To act against something to reduce its effect.
- misunderstandings (noun, prefix: mis-): Failures to understand properly.
- deliberate (adjective, prefix: de-): Done intentionally.
- embrace (verb, no prefix): To accept or support willingly.
- perceive (verb, prefix: per-): To become aware or understand.
- redefine (verb, prefix: re-): To define something again in a new way.
- persevere (verb, prefix: per-): To continue trying despite difficulties.
- initiate (verb, prefix: in-): To start or begin.
- accidental (adjective, prefix: ac- / ad-): Happening by chance, not planned.
Useful Phrases:
- "break down tasks into manageable steps" – to divide a task into easier parts.
- "trigger enthusiasm and confidence" – to cause feelings of excitement and belief in oneself.
- "treat each setback as an opportunity" – to see failures as chances to improve.
- "reframe difficulties as temporary obstacles" – to view problems as short-term challenges rather than permanent ones.
- "unlock your potential" – to realize and use your abilities fully.
- "counteract negativity" – to act against negative influences or feelings.
- "deliberate action" – action taken intentionally with purpose.
- "investment in your long-term growth" – effort put towards improving yourself over time.
- misunderstand (verb, prefix: mis-): To interpret or understand something wrongly.
- incorrectly (adverb, prefix: in-): In a false or wrong way.
- extraordinary (adjective, prefix: extra-): Very unusual or remarkable, beyond what is usual.
- innately (adverb, prefix: in-): Naturally, from birth or existing as a basic part.
- overcomplicate (verb, prefix: over-): To make something more complicated than necessary.
- overwhelmed (adjective, prefix: over-): Feeling unable to cope because of too much pressure or difficulty.
- demotivated (adjective, prefix: de-): Lacking motivation or enthusiasm.
- insurmountable (adjective, prefix: in-): Too difficult to overcome or deal with.
- unmotivated (adjective, prefix: un-): Lacking motivation.
- re-energized (verb, prefix: re-): To regain energy or motivation.
- misinterpreting (verb, prefix: mis-): Understanding something incorrectly.
- proactively (adverb, prefix: pro-): Taking action in anticipation of future problems or needs.
- unprepared (adjective, prefix: un-): Not ready.
- incomplete (adjective, prefix: in-): Not finished or missing parts.
- unexpectedly (adverb, prefix: un-): In a way that was not expected.
- disconnect (verb, prefix: dis-): To separate or detach.
- disempower (verb, prefix: dis-): To make someone less confident or powerful.
- replay (verb, prefix: re-): To play or think about again.
- unintentionally (adverb, prefix: un-): Without intending to; accidentally.
- overanalysis (noun, prefix: over-): The act of thinking about something too much or in too much detail.
- unnecessary (adjective, prefix: un-): Not needed or essential.
- refocus (verb, prefix: re-): To focus again after distraction.
- improve (verb, prefix: im-): To make better.
- reluctant (adjective, prefix: re-): Hesitant or unwilling.
- disappointment (noun, prefix: dis-): Feeling unhappy because something didn’t meet expectations.
- unconsciously (adverb, prefix: un-): Without awareness.
- reframe (verb, prefix: re-): To think about something differently.
- outgrow (verb, prefix: out-): To become too big for something or to move beyond it.
- re-evaluate (verb, prefix: re-): To assess again to make changes.
- unchangeable (adjective, prefix: un-): Not able to be changed.
- reconstructed (verb, prefix: re-): To build or put together again.
- ineffective (adjective, prefix: in-): Not producing the desired effect.
- reconsider (verb, prefix: re-): To think again, possibly changing a decision.
- reinforce (verb, prefix: re-): To strengthen or support.
- disproportionate (adjective, prefix: dis-): Too large or too small compared to something else.
- outperform (verb, prefix: out-): To do better than others.
- outdo (verb, prefix: out-): To do better or surpass.
- avoidable (adjective, prefix: a- / ab-): Possible to prevent.
- invisible (adjective, prefix: in-): Not able to be seen.
- unintentional (adjective, prefix: un-): Not done on purpose.
- persistent (adjective, prefix: per-): Continuing firmly even with difficulties.
- counteract (verb, prefix: counter-): To act against something to reduce its effect.
- misunderstandings (noun, prefix: mis-): Failures to understand properly.
- deliberate (adjective, prefix: de-): Done intentionally.
- embrace (verb, no prefix): To accept or support willingly.
- perceive (verb, prefix: per-): To become aware or understand.
- redefine (verb, prefix: re-): To define something again in a new way.
- persevere (verb, prefix: per-): To continue trying despite difficulties.
- initiate (verb, prefix: in-): To start or begin.
- accidental (adjective, prefix: ac- / ad-): Happening by chance, not planned.
Useful Phrases:
- "break down tasks into manageable steps" – to divide a task into easier parts.
- "trigger enthusiasm and confidence" – to cause feelings of excitement and belief in oneself.
- "treat each setback as an opportunity" – to see failures as chances to improve.
- "reframe difficulties as temporary obstacles" – to view problems as short-term challenges rather than permanent ones.
- "unlock your potential" – to realize and use your abilities fully.
- "counteract negativity" – to act against negative influences or feelings.
- "deliberate action" – action taken intentionally with purpose.
- "investment in your long-term growth" – effort put towards improving yourself over time.
Word Stress with Prefixes
Prefixes are groups of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning, such as un-, dis-, im-, re-, and over-. In English, when a prefix is added, the main word (the "root" or "base" word) usually keeps the same stress as it had before. This means the stress almost never goes on the prefix.
For example:
- unhappy – The stress is on “hap”: un-HAP-py, not UN-hap-py.
- disagree – The stress is on “gree”: dis-a-GREE, not DIS-a-gree.
- impossible – The stress is on “poss”: im-POSS-i-ble.
- recreate – The stress is on “ate”: re-cre-ATE, not RE-cre-ate.
Why is this important?
Knowing where the stress goes helps you pronounce words more naturally and understand others more easily. If you always put the stress on the prefix, your speech might sound unnatural and could be harder to understand.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, in some rare cases, especially with prefixes like re- (when it means “again”) and words which change meaning between noun and verb (like ‘record’/‘reCORD’), the stress can change.
Tip: When learning a new word with a prefix, try saying the base word first to feel where the stress goes, then add the prefix without changing the stress.
For example:
- unhappy – The stress is on “hap”: un-HAP-py, not UN-hap-py.
- disagree – The stress is on “gree”: dis-a-GREE, not DIS-a-gree.
- impossible – The stress is on “poss”: im-POSS-i-ble.
- recreate – The stress is on “ate”: re-cre-ATE, not RE-cre-ate.
Why is this important?
Knowing where the stress goes helps you pronounce words more naturally and understand others more easily. If you always put the stress on the prefix, your speech might sound unnatural and could be harder to understand.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, in some rare cases, especially with prefixes like re- (when it means “again”) and words which change meaning between noun and verb (like ‘record’/‘reCORD’), the stress can change.
Tip: When learning a new word with a prefix, try saying the base word first to feel where the stress goes, then add the prefix without changing the stress.