This document summarizes the use of modals and semi-modals in English. It explains that:
1) Can is used to talk about general ability or possibility, while could is used for past ability or possibility.
2) May and might are used to talk about future possibility, while may is also used for polite requests.
3) Must, should, would, and have to are used to express different meanings including necessity, obligation, advice, past habits, and polite requests.
4) Needn't is used to say that something is not necessary, and be able to talks about ability or a specific past ability.
This document summarizes the use of modals and semi-modals in English. It explains that:
1) Can is used to talk about general ability or possibility, while could is used for past ability or possibility.
2) May and might are used to talk about future possibility, while may is also used for polite requests.
3) Must, should, would, and have to are used to express different meanings including necessity, obligation, advice, past habits, and polite requests.
4) Needn't is used to say that something is not necessary, and be able to talks about ability or a specific past ability.
This document summarizes the use of modals and semi-modals in English. It explains that:
1) Can is used to talk about general ability or possibility, while could is used for past ability or possibility.
2) May and might are used to talk about future possibility, while may is also used for polite requests.
3) Must, should, would, and have to are used to express different meanings including necessity, obligation, advice, past habits, and polite requests.
4) Needn't is used to say that something is not necessary, and be able to talks about ability or a specific past ability.
This document summarizes the use of modals and semi-modals in English. It explains that:
1) Can is used to talk about general ability or possibility, while could is used for past ability or possibility.
2) May and might are used to talk about future possibility, while may is also used for polite requests.
3) Must, should, would, and have to are used to express different meanings including necessity, obligation, advice, past habits, and polite requests.
4) Needn't is used to say that something is not necessary, and be able to talks about ability or a specific past ability.
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 10
Modals and semi modals
1. We use can + bare infinitive
Can Could 1. Talk about general 1. Talk about ability in the ability in the present and past ( past form of can) future e.g. e.g I could ski when I was He can make beautiful seven years old. things out of stone 2. For request 2. To talk about possibility e.g e.g. Can we go out and play? We could go sailing if the wind went down tomorrow. We use can + bare infinitive Can Could 3. For permission 3. For polite request e.g. e.g. You can only enter the Could you give me that mall if you put on a mask magazines? 4. We use can’t + bare 4. To make suggestions infinitive to show that we e.g. are sure that something is We could go to the not true cinema e.g. That can’t be Jane! Isn’t she away on a trip? 2. May and might we use may/modal + bare infinitive May Might
1. To talk about possibility in 1. To talk about possibility in
the future the future. e.g. - Sue might decide to join gym I may take up painting as a soon. hobby next month. 2. For polite requests ( with I As the past tense of may and we) - May we borrow your camera? 3. For polite permission - You may ask me any question you like 3. Must we use must + bare infinitive to 1. Say that something is necessary. ❖ I must be home at 7 o’clock at the latest. 2. Talk abut obligations ❖ You must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike in this country 3. Show that we are sure that something is true. ❖ My sister must be nervous about the dance competition. 4. Recommend something ❖You really must be nervous about the dance 4. Should we use should + bare infinitive to 1. Give advice ❖ People of all ages should take some exercise every week. 2. Ask for advice ❖ What should I do about losing weight. ❖ Note : Ought to can also be used to give advice, but it is not usually used in the question form. 5. Would we use would + bare infinitive to
1. Actions that we did regularly in the past,
but that we don’t do now ❖ I would always go for a run in the morning before I started to work. 2. Polite requests ❖ Would you please buy some batteries for my camera? 6. Needn’t we use needn’t + bare infinitive to We use needn’t + bare infinitive to say something is not necessary. We don’t use it in affirmative sentences. ❖You needn’t take photos at the party because my brother is video taping 7. Be able to We use be able to talk about 1. Ability ❖ I will be able to play guitar tonight. 2. A specific ability in the past. ( could / cannot be used here} ❖She wasn’t able to attend extra class at the weekend. 8. Have to We use have to 1. say some thing is necessary ❖ You have to practice every day in order to play well. 2. Talk about obligation ❖ We have to have some training before we can go parachuting.