MODAL VERBS

Can /could

It is used:

 to express possibility, ability; (I can/could do it myself /You can ski on the hills (there is
enough snow)

 to ask for/ give permission in an informal way; (Can I/could I borrow your car?)

 to express negative deduction (in the negative) – (You can’t be hungry. You’ve just had
dinner)

May/ might

May is used:

 to express possibility/probability; (He may /might not know that you are here)

 to ask for /give permission (politely)- (May I go now? Yes, you may)

Might is used:

 to express a remote possibility/probability; (You might tell me what he said (please tell
me)

 to express a polite request.

Must/had to

It is used:

 to express necessity; obligation, prohibition; (I must be at the station at ten /You

mustn’t play with matches)

 to express logical deduction. (The prisoner must have escaped this way.)

Need in the negative is used to express absence of necessity.

It is used in the negative and interrogative. Also in affirmative sentences but in formal
language.

(You needn’t bring your books to class tomorrow)

 Should and Ought to

It is used to express obligation; duty; advice

You should pay your debts

You should eat more food

You’ve spelt it wrong. There should be another “S”

Shops should remain open till later in the evening (sensible action)

You ought to finish your work before going out

Exercises:

A- Replace the words in bold by a modal verb. Make the necessary changes. The first one is
already done for you.

1. It is advisable for him to keep his invention far from indiscreet eyes.

He should keep his invention far from indiscreet eyes.

2. All the news talk about it. I'm quite sure it is true./ All the news talk about it ; it must be
true.

3. It isn't necessary for them to get the public transport. /They needn’t get the public
transport.

4. He is not able to keep his eyes open. /He can’t keep his eyes open.

5. It is possible for us to send it by E-Mail. /We can send it by e-mail.

6. Are you ready to help me? / Can you help me? Will you help me?

7. Do you want me to take you home? / Can I take you home?

8. They don't allow children to stay here. /Children may not stay here.

9. It's probable that the fires die down. /The fires may/might die down.

10. He had the possibility to do it himself. / He could do it himself.

11. It is forbidden to smoke here. /You mustn’t smoke here.

12.It was their duty to come earlier. /They must/ought to come earlier.

13. Perhaps these chemical products are dangerous to manipulate. / These chemical
products may/might be dangerous to manipulate.

14. He probably is considered hypocritical, but he recognised the rights of both sides./ He
may/might be considered hypocritical, but he recognised the rights of both sides.