FORMATION ( AFFIRMATIVE, INTERROGATIVE,
MODAL VERBS
CAN
COULD
USE
NEGATIVE)
possibility, ability and permission in the
I can speak many languages.
present or future.
Can I go to the party?
neg. - logical impossibility
She cant be at home, I saw her 10 minutes ago.
ability, possibility and permission in the
He could swim when he was only four.
past or in polite requests
Could you help me, please?
I couldnt understand him.
BE ABLE TO
ability and opportunity in the past,
I am able to get all the work done.
present or future (specific occasion)
Were you able to stop the car in time?
They wont be able to stop it.
MAY
MIGHT
possible and probable actions in the
You may telephone from here.
future; permissions and possible
May I take a photo?
conditions
He may not go to the party. Hes sick.
possible actions in the future or
I might be working late tomorrow.
improbable events or situations.
He might not be at home.
What might happen?
MUST
obligation, necessity, deduction; in the
You must take your medication regularly.
negative form - prohibition
My glasses must be here somewhere.
He mustnt tell anyone what I said.
obligation
HAVE TO
I have to work on Sundays.
Do you have to get your passport?
She doesnt have to go to the dentist.
WILL
facts in the future, predictions,
Ill wait for you if you like.
invitations, characteristic behaviour
Will you have a cup of tea?
Shes on diet. She wont eat at all.
WOULD
past prediction, prediction about a
How about a cup of tea? That would be nice.
possible situation; politeness; past of
Would you go without me?
will
I wouldnt go without you.
offers, suggestions
Shall I close the window?
SHALL
SHOULD
Shall we dance?
advice; past form of shall; logical
You should accept the job.
consequence
Should we tell him the news?
She shouldnt be so shy.
saying what is the right thing to do
OUGHT TO
She ought to be working.
You oughtnt to forget your obligations.
A) Complete the sentences with appropriate modal verbs.
1. ____________ you ____________ to get up early?
2. Theyre having a baby. They ____________ have to buy a bigger house.
3. Im sorry I ____________ help you with your homework.
4. ____________ we go out tonight?
5. Why dont you apply for that job? You ____________ get it.
6. I think we ____________ do something to stop pollution.
7. ____________ I borrow this book?
8. My wife is waiting for me. I ____________ not be late.
B) Write a second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use the
words in brackets.
1. Perhaps Mary is doing overtime. (may)
______________________________________________________________
__________
2. I managed to go to university. (able)
______________________________________________________________
__________
3. They should think very well before acting. (ought)
______________________________________________________________
__________
4. Its forbidden to smoke here. (mustnt)
______________________________________________________________
__________
5. Its impossible for you to see it at this distance. (cant)
______________________________________________________________
__________
6. It is possible that Anne did not see the message. (might)
______________________________________________________________
__________
7. I advise you to study more in order to pass the exam. ( should)
______________________________________________________________
__________
8. She was able to play the piano when she was only four. (could)
9. _______________________________________________________________
_________
C) Complete the conversation between Sarah and her mother.
Sarah: Mon, (1) ____________ I go to the cinema with Susan?
Mother: No, you (2) ____________. You (3) ____________ study for
tomorrows test. You (4) ____________ be more responsible.
Sarah: But, mom, you (5) ____________ at least let me rent a movie to
see later on with Susan?
Mother: OK, you (6) ____________ do that. But you (7) ____________
start studying right now. You (8) ____________ improve your marks.
Susan: I (9) ____________ like to, but I dont know if I (10)
____________.
Answer key
A)
1. Do have;
2. will;
3. cant;
4. Shall;
5. might;
6. should;
7. Can;
8. must
B)
1. Mary may be doing overtime.
2. I was able to go to university.
3. They ought to think very well before acting.
4. You mustnt smoke here.
5. You cant see it at this distance.
6. Anne might not have seen the message.
7. You should study more to pass the exam.
8. She could play the piano when she was only four.
C)
1. can / may
2. cant / may not
3. have to
4. should
5. could
6. can / may
7. have to
8. have to
9. would
10. can