MODAL VERBS
ABILITY: CAN- CAN´T – BE ABLE TO
When we talk about the things we know how to do (swim, ride a bike, sing)
Ex: I can sing very well but I can´t play the guitar
He is able to speak four languages
Can you drive a car?
My brother can´t skate
PAST ABILITY: COULD- COULDN´T – WAS /WERE ABLE TO
Ex: She could play the piano when she was 5 years old
I was able to skate some years ago
PERMISSION: CAN – COULD – MAY
Ex: Can you lend me some money?
You may use your dictionary in the exam
Could I use your phone?
May I leave now?
Could you open the door, please?
POSSIBILITY (SPECULATING): MAY – MIGHT
Ex: Take a taxi or you may lose your way
It may rain tonight
It may be too late to call them
Andy might be waiting for us
The teacher may be sick, she didn’t come today
OBLIGATION: MUST – HAVE TO ( internal responsibility, rules)
Ex: He has to finish his homework
You must take this medicine twice a day
You must stop smoking if you want to live longer
We have to wear a uniform at school
PROHIBITION: MUSTN´T – CAN´T (the things we can´t do, laws)
Ex: You mustn´t cross when the light is red
I can´t come home after 10:00 in weekdays
We can´t use our cellphones in class
You mustn´t run at the metro station
SHOULD – OUGHT TO : ( advice- suggestion) should for questions and negative sentences ought to only for affirmative
Ex: You ought to work less
I should spend more time with my family
You should study harder
I shouldn’t eat too much fast food
Should I stay here for longer?
MAKING DEDUCTIONS: CAN’T – MUST (can’t when you are sure things are untrue and must when you are sure the things are true
Ex: Those can’t be my keys. Mine are here
John must be busy because he didn’t phone
It´s a long journey. You must be tired
LACK OF OBLIGATION: DON’T / DOESN’T HAVE TO – NEEDN’T
Ex: You don’t have to stand when the teacher comes
You needn’t do all the exercises
I don’t have to help with the chores at home
My mother doesn’t have to work on Saturdays