Zusammenfassung der Ressource
MODAL VERBS
- HAVE TO
- is used to talk about an obligation that comes from
outside, that has to be made
- Example
- I don’t have to buy a house.
- You have to read this book
- I have to start preparing dinner.
- BE ABLE TO
- It is used when we want to say that someone is capable
of something, that they can.
- Examples
- I'd like to be able to run as fast as you do
- I will be able to cook delicious dishes after I
finish the cooking course.
- MIGHT
- Used for suggestions or
possibilities
- Example
- He might come tonight.
- You might as well try to open and
get in the car
- Small probability
- SHOULD
- It is used more when giving advice, making or asking for
suggestions, opinions and actions, or to generate a certain
level of expectation for something future.
- Example
- You should listen to me.
- Should she doesn’t back?
- Recommendation/ advice
- SHALL
- Its meaning is like that of the verb "will", it
expresses something in relation to what may
happen.
- Example
- We shall dance together soon, my lady.
- Shall we go to the cinema?
- Future (with I and we)
- WILL
- is an auxiliary, also known as a modal verb. This
means that we use it to create a form of the verb, in
this case, the future.
- Examples
- I won't let you pass.
- I will call him right now
- Future/ prediction
- MAY
- is used in affirmative or negative sentences, always followed by
an infinitive verb to express probability in the future, and at the
beginning of questions to ask permission with a certain
politeness.
- Example
- May I talk to you for a minute?
- You may feel better after taking the medicine.
- They may not accept the offer.
- Good probability
- MUST
- is an auxiliary verb used with an infinitive verb to
express obligation or prohibition.
- Example
- Must I find the money?
- She must take the children with her to Houston
- He must not be telling lies
- WOULD
- We use it when we want to talk about habits or customs of
the past.
- Example
- Would you turn off the lights when you leave?
- I would like to play tennis on Sundays
- Request / offer
- COULD
- This modal verb is the past form of "can". Its
meaning is the same, but the verb tense
expresses something that has already
happened, or it is also used to provide
alternatives.
- Example
- We could meet up today.
- Could you call your mom, please?
- Past ability
- CAN
- You can use it to express some possibility or
request, or to say that you are qualified for
something.
- Example
- Forgive me, can you tell me what time
is?
- I can cook pizza.
- He can’t speak of my nervousness
- Present ability
- OUGHT TO
- has the same meaning as should, we can talk about something
that should happen or give good advice.
- Example
- I ought to study more English
- I ought to practice more piano.
- Formal recommendation