Health & Welfare Grammar
Unit 6 – Tronc Commun Science
Introduction
This unit focuses on health-related grammar structures that help express advice, obligations, and recommendations. These structures are essential for discussing wellness, medical issues, and healthy lifestyles.
Key Topics
• Should / Shouldn’t
• Must / Mustn’t
• Imperatives
Functions
Giving advice
Expressing obligation
Making recommendations
Context
Doctor-patient conversations
Health brochures
Wellness tips
1. Should & Shouldn’t (Advice)
Subject + should/shouldn’t + base verb
Usage
Used to give advice or make recommendations about what is good or bad:
• Positive: “You should eat more vegetables.”
• Negative: “You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes.”
• Question: “Should I take this medicine?”
Examples
• “Patients should drink plenty of water.”
• “You shouldn’t lift heavy weights with back pain.”
• “Should we exercise every day?”
• “Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar.”
• “You shouldn’t skip breakfast.”
2. Must & Mustn’t (Obligation)
Subject + must/mustn’t + base verb
Usage
Used to express strong obligation or prohibition (often in medical contexts):
• Obligation: “You must take this medicine twice daily.”
• Prohibition: “You mustn’t drive after taking this medication.”
• Rules: “Visitors must wash their hands.”
Medical Context
• “Patients must complete the full course of antibiotics.”
• “You mustn’t eat before surgery.”
• “Staff must wear protective equipment.”
• “You must inform your doctor about allergies.”
• “Children mustn’t take adult medications.”
3. Imperatives (Direct Instructions)
Base verb (for positive) / Don’t + base verb (for negative)
Usage
Used for direct instructions, warnings, or health guidelines:
• Positive: “Take two pills after meals.”
• Negative: “Don’t mix this medicine with alcohol.”
• Emergency: “Call 911 if symptoms worsen.”
Health Instructions
• “Wash your hands frequently.”
• “Get at least 8 hours of sleep.”
• “Don’t share personal items like toothbrushes.”
• “Cover your mouth when coughing.”
• “Drink plenty of fluids when sick.”
4. Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
1. You ______ (should/must) see a doctor if the pain continues.
2. Patients ______ (mustn’t/shouldn’t) stop taking antibiotics early.
3. ______ (Should/Must) I take this medicine with food?
Exercise 2: Transform to Imperatives
1. It’s important to wash fruits before eating.
2. You shouldn’t ignore chest pain.
3. You must wear a seatbelt in cars.
5. Health Dialogues Practice
Doctor-Patient Conversation
Doctor: What seems to be the problem?
Patient: I have a terrible headache and fever.
Doctor: You should stay home and rest. You must drink plenty of fluids.
Patient: Should I take any medicine?
Doctor: Yes, take this medication every 6 hours. But mustn’t exceed the dosage.
Patient: Don’t worry, I’ll follow your advice.
