No restrictions

You can sit anywhere you like

AIM: To understand and practise ways to indicate freedom from obligation.

INTRODUCTION: Doctors often tell a patient what he or she must or mustn't do. Sometimes, however, the message is that the patient is free to do what he or she likes – there is no obligation. There are different ways to express this in English.

Consider these examples:

You can drink whatever you like.

= There is no restriction on what you drink.

It doesn't matter when you arrive. = There is no restriction on when you arrive.
She can run as far as she wants. = There is no restriction on how far she runs.
He ate anything he fancied. = There was no restriction on what he ate.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the best ending for each sentence.

Should I stick to light foods? Actually, it ......
Do I have to come back to talk to you in particular? You can make an appointment to ......
Do I need to avoid having alcohol with this medicine? Actually, it says you’re allowed to ......
Can my daughter come with me to the clinic? You can ......
Should I always take the tablet before breakfast? You can ......, but always at about the same time of day.
Can I take these two leaflets for my husband? Sure, ...... – that’s what they’re for.
Do I need to get ready to leave quickly, doctor? No, you can ......
Am I allowed to eat on the morning of my blood test? Sure, it’s OK to ......
How should I tell you when I’m ready to start treatment? It ...... – phone or email me or just drop in.
Shall I pick my test results up from you next week? Yes, you can ...... after 2pm on Wednesday.
Do I need to limit how much exercise I get? No, it’s fine to ......
When’s the Quit Smoking phone helpline open? You can ...... – it’s available 24/7.
How often should I replace the dressing? You should ......

Please answer every question before continuing.