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(present I future) .
ability: can, can't, cannot
Can't is the negative, with cannot as a formai and written form. There is no third person -s form.
Question forms are Can I, Can you etc.
Use can / can't
• to describe ability ar lack of it.
Many animals can see c1early in the dark. Human beings can't do this.
• to describe what is allowed ar not allowed.
You can look at the animals in the zoo but you can't touch them.
• with a future meaning.
Sorry, but I can't come to the party next week.
• with verbs of perception: hear, see, taste, feel, smell.
What can }iou see? I can smell gasi
ability: be able to
This has the same meaning as can.
Use be able to
• instead of can.
Many animals are able to see in the dark.
• whencan is unsuitable. Because can has only present and past forms, we use be able to for other
tenses, and infinitive form.
I haven't been able to finish my project. We hope to be able to visit you next month.
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Use should, ought to
• to say what we think is right or correct, ar is a good idea in your opinion. This is not as strong as must.
You should pay more attention. You shouldn't talk 50 much.
• to give advice.
I think you shouJd study biology next year.
• in the same way. Ought to / ought not to has the same meaning as should / should not.
Use had better
• to say what we think someone should do. There is only one formhad better /'d better. The negative is
had better not.
You'd better wear your raincoat. It's going to rain. You'd better not wait too long. You'lI be late.
Use need to
• with the same meaning as have to. Need to is not a modal verb.
You need to work harder. You don't need to come tomorrow
Do I need to bring my dictionary?
Need is a modal verb and has no third person form. It is mainly used in questions and negatives, and is
more formai in use.
Need Jsay morel He need not take the exam.
1 Complete each sentence with can ar can't + the verb in brackets. Use a form of be ab/e to if
can / can't is not possible.
2 Complete the sentence with must or mustn't. They are ali strange but true laws.
a In New Hampshire, USA, you ...t\t4Sll:1.>t ..pick up seaweed from the beach.
b In Louisiana, USA, schoolchildren ca11their teachers Sir or Ma'am.
c In Canada you .. ...let a 11amaeat grass in a national park.
d In Italy, a man .... . wear a skirt in public. cO
e In Illinois, USA, you .. . use the' steering wheel when you drive a car. +-'
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f In Michigan, USA, people .. . swear in front of women and children. O)
g In Baltimore, Maryland, USA, you take a lion into a cinema. ..o
h In Kentucky, USA, everyone ... take at least one bath every year. O
5 Complete the text to give advice on how to deal with a snake bite using should ar shouldn't.
Check the factual answers on page 208.
6 Add a comment to each situation, using the pronoun in brackets and an idea from the list
with had better.
take au umbIella don't play in the match che ck it in the dictionary leave now
wear ahat don't wake him up take some sandwiches call a taxi
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7 Read these test tips for maths. Then complete each sentence so that it contains the word or
words in capitals. Leave out any unnecessary words.
a It's important for you to think about aU the inforrnation given. NEEDTO
You YI,ececdlqlhit1,k ..?lQQt1J:.?lII ...lhec.iYl,±QQ1A?lliQVt,..qiy~Vt, .
b Don't worry about spelling, but you should try to be as accurate as you can. NEEDN'T
You
c It's necessary for you to identify aU the necessary steps to solve a problem. NEEDTO
You ..
d You have to understand technical words, eg equation. NEEDTO
You
e It's vital for you to be able to use methods of multiplication and division. NEEDTO
You . .",» .
a Are you any good at athletics? How fast .J) you run?
b You. take some money with you in case you need it.
c I think that was the last bus look for a taxi.
d I'm reaUy tired, but luckily I get up early in the morning.
e You.. . look at other students' work. It's against the rules.
f 'My tooth reaUy hurts!' 'I think you.. ..go to the dentist's.'
g Sorry, but my train is at 6.00. I.. ......leave nowo
h You eat so many sweets. They aren't good for you.
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1 Make a list of ten things you have to do at school or at work. ""C
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2 Give some advice about what you should do if you want to
learn a foreign language wel!.
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