REVIEW OF MODAL VERBS

1
REVIEW OF MODAL VERBS

• (For more details and exercises study units 26-37)

2
Can, could, be able to

• Used for permission and ability
• Note that could is used to describe a general
  ability in the past (He could speak five
  languages when he was a child)
• To be able to/to manage are used in a more
  specific situation (We didnt know where David
  was, but we managed to find him/were able to find
  him in the end.)

3
To express a deduction in present and past

• You must/cant/may/might be tired
• You must/cant/might/may/have known about it.
• Note to express a deduction in the present use
  (can) (bare infinitive)
• To express a deduction in the past use (must)
  have (past participle)

4
To express possibility in the future may/might

• When you arent sure about something you are
  going to do in the future
• I may/might go to London this summer.

5
Obligation have to/must

• Usually have to is used to express an external
  obligation like a law People have to wear
  seatbelts.
• Usually must is for something you must do I must
  go to the doctors.
• Mustnt is to express a prohibition You mustnt
  smoke in this area.
• Dont have to is to express no obligation
  Students dont have to attend the exercise
  classes.

6
Should

• This modal is usually used to give advice or an
  opinion
• You should go to bed if youre tired.
• The government should do more to reduce crime.
• Sometimes ought to can be used instead to
  emphasise the advice or opinion.

7
Requests, offers, permission and invitations

• Can you wait a moment please? (request)
• May I have these postcards, please? (request)
• Could I use your phone? (permission)
• Would you like a cup of tea? (offer)
• Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow
  evening? (invitation)

8
Dont have to

• Sometimes you can also say dont need to or
  neednt do in the same way as dont have to.