ALD7 House R034 Modals.

qxd 23/10/2007 12:12 Page 34

Modal verbs
Ability No necessity
Modal verbs

can could be able to

l l
dont have to shouldnt have
l l

j Can he swim? didnt need to neednt have l

j My brother could swim when he was two. j You dont have to pick us up we can
j I couldnt find my keys this morning. take a taxi.
j I could have run faster, but I didnt j They didnt have to go through customs.
want the others to get tired. j You shouldnt have bothered making lunch
j She has not been able to walk since we could have bought a sandwich.
the accident. j He didnt need to have any fillings at the
j He was able to speak to Ann before she left. dentists.
j Will people be able to live on the moon j They neednt have waited.
one day, do you think?
Advice and criticism
Possibility ought to should
l

could may might can

l l l

j Ought we to / Should we write and thank him?

j Could / Might you have lost it on the
way home?
j She may / might / could be ill. Ill phone her.
j I may have / might have left my purse
in the shop.
j Amy might / may know the answer.
j I might / may not go if Im tired.
j He might have enjoyed the party if hed gone.
j It can get very cold in here at night.
j She ought to / should go out more often.
j You ought to have / should have gone to
bed earlier.
j You shouldnt borrow the car without asking.
j I ought to / should go on a diet.
j I ought to have / should have asked her first.
Assumptions and deductions
will should must cant
l l l

Permission j That will be James hes often early.

can could may
l l
j The book should be interesting.
j There must be a leak.
j Can we come in? j You must have dialled the wrong number.
j Could we possibly stay at your flat? j You cant have finished already!
j Staff may take their break between
12 and 2. (written) Requests
j May I sit here? (formal) can could will would
l l l

Prohibition j Can you pass me the dictionary?

must not may not cannot
l l
j Could you help me with my translation?
j Will you buy me an ice cream, Mum?
j You mustnt tell her anything. j Would you type this letter for me, please?
j You cant get up until youre better.
j Crockery may not be taken out of the N Could and would are more formal than
canteen. (written) can and will.
j You must not begin until I tell you. (formal)
Offers and suggestions
Obligation shall willl

have (got) to must l

j All visitors must report to reception on arrival.
(written)
j I must get that report finished today.
j Do you have to write your name on the form?
j She had to throw the burnt cake away.
j You will have to wait, Im afraid.
j Shall I do the washing-up?
j Shall we go now?
j Ill take you to the airport.
[ For more information about modal verbs,
look at the notes at the entries for CAN , MODAL ,
MUST , NEED and SHOULD .