Discurse type

GRAMMAR REVIEW: MODALS

Modal verbs express meanings such as necessity, permission, possibility, obligation, and requests. We can use modal verbs to tell or allow people to do things, or we can use them to express how certain or uncertain we are.

A modal verb never has an ending such as -s, -ing, or -ed, and is always followed by the infinitive without "to".

CAN / COULD

1. In everyday conversation, "can" is commonly used to talk about permission.
• Ex: You can leave now. (You are allowed to leave)

When asking for permission, "could" is often used instead of "can" because it sounds more polite.

• Ex: Could you give me a lift?
2. "Can" is also used to express someone's ability to do something.
• Ex: James can speak three languages.

To talk about future ability or opportunity, we use "will be able to".

• Ex: The baby will be able to talk soon.

For past ability, either "could" or "was/were able to" is used.

• Ex: My grandfather could/was able to swim very well when he was young.

Negative forms: "cannot" / "can't", "could not" / "couldn't", "will not be able to".

(Won’t be able) and MAY MIGHT

1. May is used to ask politely if you can do something (ask permission), or to say that someone is allowed to do something (give permission).
• May I ask you a question, please?
• You may go now. Thank you.
2. May and might are used to say that something is possibly true, or to express an uncertain prediction or intention.
• My mother may be in her bedroom.
• Peter might come tomorrow.

( ) and MUST HAVE GOT TO

1. Must is normally used when the speaker personally feels the necessity; have (got) to when the necessity is outside the speaker.
• You must stop talking in class. (I’m telling you)
• In Britain, you have to drive on the left. (That’s the rule)
2. Must can also be used when you are guessing that something is true.
• Red roses? It must be love!

Mustn’t, don’t have to, needn’t

Negative:

• Mustn’t is used to tell someone not to do something.
• You mustn’t forget your passport.

• Don’t have to and needn’t are used to say that something is not necessary.
• You don’t have to bring a gift.
• You needn’t worry about it.

Needn't is used to say that something is not necessary. With needn't, the lack of necessity is felt by the speaker.

With don't have to, it results from the situation.

Ex: You needn't pay me today. I can wait.

We didn't have to light the fire, because it was a warm evening.