modal verbs

Modal verbs

Multiple Choice

Which modals do we use to express advice or recommendations?

• Can, could, may

• should, ought to, had better

• must, can, shall

Modals for advice

should, ought to

Should and ought to both express a recommendation. When we use them in positive it means that something is a good idea.

You should practice at least 10 minutes every day and you will notice the change.

remember: after a modal verb we can only use the base form of a verb.

You ought to practice at least 10 minutes every day and you will notice the change.

ought to expresses the same as should

should vs ought to

we can use should in positive sentences, negatives and questions; ought to can only be used in the positive sentences.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer:

• You shouldn't visited the beach.

• You should not visit the beach.

• You don't ought to visit the beach.

had better shows a warning.

You had better study for you english test. I will be a huge monster...

Remember: after a modal we only use the base form of a verb.

Never third person, past, ing, etc.

Ability

Can, could, be able to.

Can expresses ability a person has in the present

Could expresses ability a person had in the past

be able to expresses ability a person has in the present, past or future.

I can cook = I am able to cook.

I could speak English when I was a kid = I was able to speak English when I was a kid.

I am studying English, and I also practice every day. I will be able to stablish a fluet conversation soon.

Be able to expresses a future ability.

In negative they express the lack of ability

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer:

• Sorry, I were not able to come yesterday to class.

• Sorry, I was not able to come yesterday to class.

• Sorry, I cannot able to come yesterday to class.

Multiple Choice

choose the correct answer:

• Lissa is sitting down next to the pool a little sad because she couldn't swim, so she only sees.

• Lissa is sitting down next to the pool a little sad because she couldn't swims, so she only sees.

• Lissa is sitting down next to the pool a little sad because she can't swim, so she only sees.

Must

Shows a legal obligation, or a formal obligation.

Have to, have got to:

show a personal necessity

We must wear a seatbelt while driving.

legal obligation.

I have to pay my bills by the end of the month.

personal obligation, sadly.

may and might.

posibility about the present or the future.

It is a little late now, Ulises might be busy because he didn't come.

Is a posibility.

I just received a text message. There are no classes tomorrow! I may go to the beach or to the lake then.

Posibilities about the future.

Multiple Choice

choose the correct answer:

• I have got to study for my test.

• I have to study for my test.

• both are correct.

• none are correct

Multiple Choice

choose the correct answer:

• I must call my mother when I finish working.

• I must called my mother when I finish working.

• I have to call my mother when I finish working.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer:

• My sister had to went to the supermarket to buy the groceries.

• My sister had to go to the supermarket to buy the groceries.

• My sister had to goes to the supermarket to buy the groceries.

Must also shows a logical conclusion or deduction.

He worked until 3:00 am today, and he woke up again at 5 am. He must be really tired.

Must not, cannot, be not allowed to, be not permitted to show prohibition.

Be supposed to shows expectative because of a personal obligation or rule.

My father has to work every day.

My father is supposed to work ever day.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer:

• We are not allowed to speak spanish in the class.

• We cannot speak spanish in the class.

• We must not speak spanish in the class.

• All are correct.

Multiple Choice

What is your mother supposed to do? choose the correct answer:

• She is supposed work every day.

• She was supposed work every day.

• She is supposed to work every day.

• all are correct

Got questions?

Ability

Can, could, be able to.