Modal verbs
can could may might will would shall should must
ought to need be able to have to be allowed to
Match the modal verbs to their main function.
They should be here by now. (a) EXPRESSING OBLIGATION
I'll phone and check.(b) EXPRESSING CERTAINITY
No, wait a minute, that must be them.(c) ASKING FOR PERMISSION
EXPRESSING POSSIBILITY
Could I leave early tomorrow, do you think?(d) EXPRESSING PROBABILITY
Well, I might need you to check the plan.(e) TAKING THE INITIATIVE
But I have to pick up the kids from school.(f)
You mustn't load that software onto your PC!(g) GIVING ADVICE
But I can't do this job without it.(h) SAYING SOMETHING ISN'T
NECESSARY
Well, you ought to speak to a specialist, then.(i)
EXPRESSING INABILITY
MAKING A REQUEST
I'm getting a drink from the machine. Can I get you anything?
(j) PROHIBITING SOMETHING
Oh, thanks. Could you get me a Coke or something?(k) MAKING AN OFFER
Sure. What's this? You don't have to give me the money!(l)
THE COURAGE OF A WINNER
Many people will know about Lance Armstrong's three wins in the Tour de France, but
fewer people will have heard of his battle with cancer.
In the summer of 1996, everything must have been going perfectly for the twenty-
five-year-old Texan cyclist. He had just won a major race and was ranked 7 th in the world.
He had been offered contracts by big sporting companies, such as Nike, and did not need
to worry about money. His future looked bright.
Then, in September, 1996, Armstrong went to the doctor with a pain. He should
have gone earlier, but he had ignored the pain so that he could continue racing. When
he went to the doctor that day, he could not have known what was about to happen to
him. Within two hours, he had been diagnosed as having cancer which had spread to his
lungs. There was a 60% chance he would survive and a 40% chance he might die.
Lance put his head on the doctor's desk in despair. However, when he looked up he
said with determination: 'Let's get started. Let's kill this stuff.' In the next few months, he
had to have two operations and to undergo chemotherapy treatment. He lost weight and
felt so tired that he had to sleep twelve hours a day. But throughout his battle with cancer,
Armstrong was determined not to let it beat him.
After months of suffering, Armstrong recovered enough to start his next battle: to
win the Tour de France. During periods when he did not have to have chemotherapy, he
rode his bike 30 to 50 miles a day. By the summer of 1999, he did not need to take any
more medication and, according to his doctors, was 98% 'home' in his battle against
cancer.
Many people doubted Armstrong's ability to become a top cyclist again but they
need not have worried. In 1999 and 2000, he won the Tour de France, and then in 2001,
he rode triumphantly up the Champs Elysees a third time!
Lance Armstrong is now a sporting superstar. He does not have to worry about
proving himself any more. However, we must not forget that he is different from other
stars. Money and success do not seem to interest him and he must have a different kind
of motivation: 'Every year I come back and try to win the Tour is another year without
illness.'
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one. Use the word given
and up to four more words.
1. I doubt if winning the marathon was easy for her.
must
Winning the marathon _______________________________________ for her.
2. It was very kind of you to come and collect me but it wasn't necessary.
need
It was very kind of you, but you _______________________________________ and
collected me.
3. I cut my hand but luckily stitches weren't necessary.
need
I cut my hand but I _______________________________________ .
4. She's probably feeling a bit depressed after getting her exam results.
can't
She _______________________________________ after getting her exam results.
NOTES: