MODAL VERBS

Ability: can – could – be able to

► Can he swim?

► My brother could swim when he was two.

► I couldn’t find my key this morning.

► I could have run faster, but I didn’t want the others to get tired.

► She has not been able to walk since the accident.

► He was able to speak to Ann before she left.

► Will people be able to live on the moon one day, do you think?

Possibility: can – could – may – might

► Could / might you have lost it on the way home?

► She may/ might/ could be ill. I’ll phone her.

► I may have/ might have left my purse in the shop.

►I might/ may not go if I’m tired.

► Amy may/ might know the answer.

► He might have enjoyed that party if he’d gone

► It can get very cold in here at night.

Permission: can – could – may

§        Can you come in?

§        Could we possibly stay at your flat?

§        Staff may take their break between 12 and 2. (written)

§        May I sit here? (formal)

Prohibition: must not – may not – cannot

§        You mustn’t tell her anything.

§        You can’t get up until you’re better.

§        Crockery may not be taken out of the canteen. (written)

§        You must not begin until I tell you. (formal)

Obligation: have (got) to – must

§        All visitors must report to reception on arrival (written)

§        I must get that report finished today.

§        Do you have to write your name on the form?

§        She had to throw the burnt cake away.

§        You will have to wait, I’m afraid.

No necessity: don’t have to – shouldn’t have – didn’t need to – needn’t have.

§        You don’t have to pick us up- we can take a taxi.

§        They didn’t have to go through customs.

§        You shouldn’t have bothered making lunch- we could have bought a sandwich.

§        He didn’t need to have any fillings at the dentist’s

§        They needn’t have waited.

Advice and criticism: ought to – should

§        Ought we to / should we write and thank him?

§        She ought to/ should go out more often.

§        You ought to have/ should have gone to bed early.

§        You shouldn’t borrow the car without asking.

§        I ought to/ should go on a diet.

§        I ought to have/ should have asked her first.

Assumptions and deductions: will – should – must – can’t

§        That will be James- he’s often early.

§        That book should be interesting.

§        There must be a leak.

§        You must have dialed the wrong number.

§        You can’t have finished already!

Requests: can – could – will – would

§        Can you pass me the dictionary?

§        Could you help me with my translation?

§        Will you buy me an ice cream, mum?

§        Would you type this letter for me, please?

NOTE: Would – could are more formal than can – will

Offers and suggestions: shall – will

§        Shall I do the washing up?

§        Shall we go now?

§        I’ll take you to the airport.