Modal verbs
CAN
We use can to say that something is possible or allowed, or that somebody has the ability to do
something. We use can + infinitive (can do / can see etc.):
e.g., We can see the lake from our hotel. ‘I don’t have a pen.’ ‘You can use mine.’
Can you speak any foreign languages? I can come and see you tomorrow if you like.
The word ‘dream’ can be a noun or a verb.
The negative is can’t (= cannot):
I’m afraid I can’t come to the party on Friday.
COULD
Sometimes could is the past of can. We use could especially with:
see hear smell taste feel remember understand
e.g., We had a lovely room in the hotel. We could see the lake.
As soon as I walked into the room, I could smell gas.
I was sitting at the back of the theatre and couldn’t hear very well.
We also use could to say that somebody had the ability to do something, or was allowed to do
something: e.g., My grandfather could speak five languages.
We were totally free. We could do what we wanted. (= we were allowed to do)
But could is not always past. We also use could for possible actions now or in the future,
especially to make suggestions. For example:
a: When you go to Paris next month, you could stay with Sarah.
b: Yes, I suppose I could.
The negative couldn’t (could not) is possible in all situations: My grandfather couldn’t swim.
I looked for Max everywhere, but I couldn’t find him. Andy played well, but he couldn’t beat
Jack.
We also use could (not can) for actions that are not realistic. e.g., I’m so tired, I could sleep for
a week. (not I can sleep for a week).
MUST
We use must to say that we believe something is certain: e.g., You’ve been travelling all day.
You must be tired. (travelling is tiring and you’ve been travelling all day, so you must be tired)
‘Joe is a hard worker.’ ‘Joe? You must be joking. He doesn’t do anything.’
Louise must get very bored in her job. She does the same thing every day
It is used to express necessity, obligation (something that is
required) and also to express a logical conclusion.
“You must arrive on time for the exam, otherwise they won’t let you take it”.
(It is necessary to arrive on time)
"He’s been studying diligently all week, so he must be prepared for the exam." (logical
conclusion)
“I must finish my homework by today”
HAVE TO
Is used to indicate necessity or obligation e.g., "She has to wear a uniform at school."
“You have to arrive on time for the exam”.
Last week Tina broke her arm and had to go to hospital
MAY/MIGTH
We use may or might to say that something is possible and permission. You can use may or
might:
It may be true. or It might be true. (= perhaps it is true)
She might know. or She may know.
May I come in?
May I go to the bathroom, please?
The negative forms are may not and might not:
It may not be true. (= perhaps it isn’t true)
She might not know. (= perhaps she doesn’t know)
We might go camping this weekend, depending on the weather.
(Maybe we will go camping, maybe we won’t)
USE “SHOULD” TO EXPRESS A RECOMMENDATION /
SUGGESTION
• If your head hurts, you should go to the doctor.
(I suggest that you go to the doctor)
• He should see that movie – he’d like it.
(I recommend that he see the movie)
You should do something = it is a good thing to do or the right thing to do.
You can use should to give advice or to give an opinion:
You look tired. You should go to bed. The government should do more to improve schools.
a: Should we invite Stephanie to the party?
b: Yes, I think we should. The man on the motorbike should be wearing a helmet.
You shouldn’t do something = it isn’t a good thing to do: You shouldn’t believe everything you
read in newspapers.