Modal Verbs
⇒Are special verbs that are used to show obligation, possibility, ability and permission.
Structure:
Subject + modal + verb + rest of the sentence.
The modal verbs are:
Have to: In general, "have to" expresses impersonal obligation. The subject of have to is obliged or forced to act by a separate, external power (for example, the Law or school rules).
Must: is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation, although native speakers prefer the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be used to prohibit actions, but this sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as "should not" or "ought not" to dissuade rather than prohibit.
Should: is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.
Can: is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility in the present.
May: is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission to do something in the present, although this usage is becoming less common.
Might: is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English speakers can also use "might" to make suggestions or requests. Is less possible than may.
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Modals of Ability Exercise
Put in ‘can’ / ‘can’t’ / ‘could’ / ‘couldn’t’. If none is possible, use ‘be able to’ in the correct tense:
1. _________________ you swim when you were 10?
2. We _________________ get to the meeting on time yesterday because the train was delayed by one hour.
3. He _________________ arrive at the party on time, even after missing the train, so he was very pleased.
4. He’s amazing, he _________________ speak 5 languages including Chinese.
5. I _________________ drive a car until I was 34, then I moved to the countryside so I had to learn.
6. I looked everywhere for my glasses but I _________________ find them anywhere.
7. I searched for your house for ages, luckily I _________________ find it in the end.
8. She’s 7 years old but she _________________ read yet – her parents are getting her extra lessons.
9. I read the book three times but I _________________ understand it.
10. James _________________ speak Japanese when he lived in Japan, but he’s forgotten most of it now.
Mixed Modals Exercise:
| Q1. | I have no idea about computers, but John ..... help you. | ||
| could | |||
| might be able to | |||
| would | |||
| Q2. | I had some problems repairing the roof by myself, but in the end I ..... do it without help. | ||
| could | |||
| was able to | |||
| Q3. | The cafeteria was full. I ..... find a seat anywhere. | ||
| couldn’t | |||
| wasn’t able to | |||
| Q4. | You ..... told me it was his birthday. I would have bought him a present. | ||
| might have | |||
| must have | |||
| would have | |||
| Q5. | Do you think we ..... take photos in here? | ||
| are allowed to | |||
| may | |||
| Q6. | Don’t call him now. He ..... have got out of bed yet. | ||
| might not | |||
| should not | |||
| would not | |||
| Q7. | It ..... be easy for Mary. Her parents died when she was only 4 years old. | ||
| can’t | |||
| mustn’t | |||
| shouldn’t | |||
| wouldn’t | |||
| Q8. | John’s usually home by now. Where do you think he is? - He ..... late. He has a big project to finish. | ||
| might be working | |||
| might work | |||
| must work | |||
| could work | |||
| Q9. | I ..... remember to buy milk on the way home. | ||
| have to | |||
| must | |||
| Q10. | England are going to win the World Cup. - You ..... be joking! | |
| could | ||
| must | ||
| ought to | ||
| would | ||
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