- My cousin, who is only 2 years old, can already speak.

- Can your sister play the piano?

- Messi can play football very well.
- Lets buy some Chinese food. I cant cook very well.

- My uncle, who is a chef, is able to prepare delicious

dishes.
- If you save money, you will be able to buy a new car.

- When I was four years old, I could read and write.

- Sarahs grandmother could sing very well.
-My cousin couldnt swim until last year and now she can
swim better than me.

- Can you pass me the salt, please? (REQUEST)

- Can I come in? (ASK FOR PERMISSION)
- Ok, you can go now. (GIVE PERMISSION)

- Could you help me with this exercise? Its so difficult.

COULD is also used to make a polite

suggestion.
A: Im going to Holland next week.
B: Oh, really? You could visit your Dutch relatives then.

- Mrs. Lola, may I go to the toilet?

- Would you open the window, please? Its so hot in here.

- Would you like a sandwich?

- Will you help me with the suitcases, please? Theyre so heavy.

- Shall I help you with your luggage?

- Students in private schools must wear a uniform. (RULE)

- All of our friends are going to that party. We must go too.
(NECESSITY)

The
obligation
comes
from the
speaker

The
obligation
doesnt
come from
the speaker

MUM: You must be home by 11 oclock.

You go out. When its time to go, you can say:
Ill leave. I have to stay home by 11 oclock.

They have more or less the same meaning

but
HAVE TO is used for all the forms MUST
doesnt have. Moreover, HAVE TO is used in
the interrogative sentence.
- Do you have to go right now?
- Yesterday I had to do the washing because the washingmachine broke down.
- If you want to be successful, you will have to work very hard.

Prohibition

No obligation, no necessity

-You mustnt smoke in the premises. (IT IS PROHIBITED, IT IS

NOT ALLOWED)
- You dont have to wear a uniform at school. (IT IS NOT
NECESSARY)

-She neednt bring anything; theres lots of food.

-She doesnt have to bring anything; theres lots of food.

- Its 8 oclock. Sally must be at work. (IM SURE)

- Its 8 oclock. Sally cant be at home. (ITS IMPOSSIBLE)

-Advice
-Opinion
-Moral duty

-You ought to improve your manners.

- I think you should tell him the truth.
- Carol should visit her grandfather more often.

Scissors can be
dangerous if not used
properly.
I may go to the party.
(Im not sure, its
possible)
I might go to the party.
(Im not sure, its improbable)