MODALS VERBS: NECESSITY AND SUGGESTION

MODALS VERBS: NECESSITY AND SUGGESTION

Modals are special verbs that behave irregularly in English.

They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it.

Some characteristics of modals are:

- They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...

- They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)

- They are used to indicate modality and allow speakers to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability

Modals of necessity

The modal verbs of necessity show obligations in the past, present, or future. It can be a necessary action that was required over and over again, or something that occurred just once.

The modal verbs of necessity are have to, have got to, need to and must.

HAVE TO

Used to show that you have the necessity or obligation to do something.

- Did she have to pay a fine?

- You don't have to knock—just walk in.

HAVE GOT TO

Used to give advice or recommend something

- You simply have got to get a new job.

- You've got to try this recipe—it's delicious.

MUST

Used to say that something is necessary or very important (sometimes involving a rule or a law)

- All visitors must report to reception.

- Cars must not park in front of the entrance (= it is not allowed).  (formal) 

- I must ask you not to do that again.

NEED TO

Used to say that something is necessary or very important.

- I need to go to the hospital.

- You need to study.

There are no past or future forms of must. To talk about the past you use had to and has had to:

- I had to wait half an hour for a bus

Will have to is used to talk about the future, or have to if an arrangement has already been made:

- We’ll have to borrow the money we need.

- I have to go to the dentist tomorrow.

Questions with have to are formed using do:

- Do the children have to wear a uniform?

In negative sentences both must not and don’t have to are used, but with different meanings. Must not is used to tell somebody not to do something:

- Passengers must not undo their seat belts until the signs have been switched off.

Don’t have to is used when it is not necessary to do something:

- You don’t have to pay for the tickets in advance.

- She doesn’t have to work at weekends.

Modals of suggestion

We can use modals to give suggestions and advice, and to talk about obligations (things we have to do).

COULD AND MIGHT

We use the modals of suggestion could and might (want to) to give someone ideas about possible plans or actions.

- We could ask her to join us or we could go alone.

- You might want to get a coat before we leave.

We only use might not (not could not) in negative suggestions.

- You might not want to go to the party. That's OK.

We only use could (not might) in questions.

- Could you ask him to help you?

Yes, I could.

No, I couldn't.

SHALL

Shall we or Shall I are used in more formal suggestion questions, mainly in British English.

- Shall we go to the play?

SHOULD AND OUGHT TO

We use should and ought to for general advice.

You should try out for the team.

- You ought to try out for the team.

- It would be a good idea for you to try out for the team.

HAD BETTER

We use had better for very strong advice and warnings.

- Had better ('d better) is often a threat of a possible bad result.

- You'd better take the test or you might not get into university.

We use shouldn't and had better not (not ought not to) for negative advice.

- You shouldn't leave your keys in the car.

- You'd better not be late for your meeting with the principal.

We use should (not ought to or had better) in questions asking for advice.

- Should I ask about his daughter?

Yes, you should.

No, you shouldn't.

Multiple Choice

You ought to pack a first-aid kit:

• Suggestion

• Necessity

Multiple Choice

You need to be on time at the airport:

• Necessity

• Suggestion

Multiple Choice

You should keep important things in your carry on bag:

• Suggestion

• Necessity

Multiple Choice

You'd better buy travel insurance:

• Necessity

• Suggestion

Multiple Choice

You should try some of the local specialities:

• Suggestion

• Necessity

Multiple Choice

You must have a valid passport to travel overseas:

• Suggestion

• Necessity

Multiple Choice

You shouldn't carry a lot of cash when you go out:

• Necessity

• Suggestion

Multiple Choice

Select the correct type of modal sentence for the next questions:

You don't need to have an international driver's license:

• Necessity

• Suggestion

Multiple Choice

We __________ better leave before the police come

• had

• must

• should

Multiple Choice

You _____________ go to that restaurant. The food is terrible.

• Should

• should not

• should not to

Multiple Choice

It's an incredible film. You __________ watch it.

• must to

• should

• should not

Multiple Choice

You have a great job; you _______ change it

• should not

• should to

• should not to

Multiple Choice

In order to log on to the Internet, Sally __________ her user I.D.

• must enter

• have to enter

• has to enter

Multiple Choice

Jade: Mom, I don't want to clean my room. _________________ it right now?

Mother: Yes, right now.

• Do I have to clean

• Do I must clean

• Have to I clean

Multiple Choice

If Richard wants to become a professional musician, he ______________ every day.

• haves to practise

• have to practice

• has to practice

Multiple Choice

Children _________ spend a limit time in front of their mobile phones.

• shall
• should
• shouldn't
• may

Multiple Choice

You_______ go to the opera in London. It's great.

• Should

• Shouldn't

Multiple Choice

You...................pollute the water.

• must

• mustn`t

Multiple Choice

What are modal verbs?

• Does

• Auxiliary Verbs

• Do

• Ing