Modal verbs

Modal verbs

1. to show prohibition

   • Mustn't - can't - to be not allowed to = present time
   • didn't have to (-) / had to (+) - couldn't - was, were not allowed to

2. To ask permission

   • may I / might I /could I/ can I

3. to solicitate a request (it means to ask others)

   • could U / would U / Will u / can u

4. showing willingness (to make a decision at the moment of speaking

   • will and won't (in present time)
   • would & wouldn't ( -refused to-in past time)

5. Showing permission

   • can
   • to be allowed to

6. Showing ability

   • can
   • be able to

7. offering doing sth

   • Shall: you look cold, shall I put the heater on?
     • what shall I bring you?, tea or coffee?
   • shall: offering a suggestion or asking for a suggestion with the pronoun "we" only in a question form
     • it looks nice outside. shall we go for a walk?
     • Where shall we go for our next holiday?

8. showing obligation

   • must (usually comes from the speaker) and musn't present time / you didn't have (-) to and you had (+) (past time)
   • must & have to - has to (present time ) / had to (past)
     • must
       • obligation comes from the speaker
         • must is often written down and in news
     • have to
       • obligation comes from another person
         • have to and have got to is often in speech
     • question form
       • Do I have to sign here? (not: must I)
   • sth is not an obligation, it means is not necessary
     • doesn't has to and don't have to (obvioulsy present negative)/ didn't have to (obvioulsy past negative )

9. Can

   • Shows ability / the past of can is could (ability)
     • also be able to: I want to be able to sing like her
   • ask permission
     • can I..? also could I ..?
   • general possibility
     • it's very hot in summer, but it can be freezing in winter
       • In December, the temperature can be over 30 degrees Celsius
   • make a request
     • can you...?

10. present and future possibility: could - should - may - might

    • logically possible: I'll call him. He might/ may/ could/should still be there

11. Showing advice or suggestions

    • should & ought to: obligation that is not too strong, it's a good ides, but it's not necessary
      • should - shouldn't
        • you shouldn't eat so much chocolate
          • you should've done your hw
      • ought to - not in questions nor negatives
        • you ought to be in bed by now / she ought to have bought the tickets(past)