MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

1. Modals and Semi-modals

   • Ability
     • Can
     • Could
     • Be able to
   • Advice and suggestion
     • Should
     • Shouldn't
     • Ought to
     • Could
   • Lack of obligation & necessity
     • Needn't
     • Don't have to
   • Necessity, obligation & prohibition
     • Must
     • Have to
     • Mustn't
   • Permission & request
     • Can
     • Could
     • May
   • Possibility & certainty
     • Could
     • May/ Might
     • Must
     • Can't

2. Modals Perfect

   • Past possibility
     • May/ Might have
     • Could have
   • Ability and wilingness to do sth in th past, but the action did not happen
     • Could have
     • Would have
   • Certainty about the past
     • Can't/ Couldn't have
     • Must have
   • Criticism of past actions
     • Should have
     • Should't have