This grammar is for rules. It is also for strong commands. It means 'you must do this'.
Verb [dictionary form] + ことPrimary
Verb [ない-form] + こと
This grammar is for rules. It is also for strong commands. It means 'you must do this'.
廊下では走らないこと。
Do not run in the hallways.
毎日、薬を忘れずに飲むこと。
Be sure to take your medicine every day without fail.
医者から、一週間はお酒を飲まないこと、と言われた。
The doctor told me not to drink alcohol for one week.
レポートは、明日の朝9時までに提出すること。
The report must be submitted by 9 AM tomorrow morning.
試験中は携帯電話の電源を切ること。
During the exam, you must turn off your mobile phone.
This grammar makes rules sound very strong. It is like a law written on a sign. It applies to everyone. It is not telling one person what to do. It is a general rule.
This is different from other forms. `〜なさい` is a direct order. A boss might tell an employee this. `〜ほうがいい` is soft advice. It means 'you should do this'. `〜べきだ` means something is a general duty. `〜こと` is a firm rule for a certain situation.
Don't use this when talking about something that already happened. For example, you cannot say "He had to do it." This form is for future actions. You also don't use it to tell someone above you what to do. Only people with authority use it.
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