- My cousin, who is only 2 years old, can already speak.

- Can your sister play the piano?

- Messi can play football very well.
- Let’s buy some Chinese food. I can’t cook very well.

- My uncle, who is a chef, is able to prepare delicious

dishes.
- If you save money, you will be able to buy a new car.
- When I was four years old, I could read and write.
- Sarah’s grandmother could sing very well.
-My cousin couldn’t swim until last year and now she can
swim better than me.
- Can you pass me the salt, please? (REQUEST)
- Can I come in? (ASK FOR PERMISSION)
- Ok, you can go now. (GIVE PERMISSION)
- Could you help me with this exercise? It’s so difficult.

COULD is also used to make a polite

suggestion.
A: I’m going to Holland next week.
B: Oh, really? You could visit your Dutch relatives then.

- Mrs. Lola, may I go to the toilet?

 - Would you open the window, please? It’s so hot in here.

- Would you like a sandwich?

- Will you help me with the suitcases, please? They’re so heavy.

- Shall I help you with your luggage?

- Students in private schools must wear a uniform. (RULE)
- All of our friends are going to that party. We must go too.
(NECESSITY)
 The The
obligation obligation
comes doesn’t
from the come from
speaker the speaker
MUM: You must be home by 11 o’clock.
You go out. When it’s time to go, you can say:
“I’ll leave. I have to stay home by 11 o’clock.”
They have more or less the same meaning
but…
HAVE TO is used for all the forms MUST
doesn’t have. Moreover, HAVE TO is used in
the interrogative sentence.
- Do you have to go right now?
- Yesterday I had to do the washing because the washing-
machine broke down.
- If you want to be successful, you will have to work very hard.
 Prohibition No obligation, no necessity

-You mustn’t smoke in the premises. (IT IS PROHIBITED, IT IS

NOT ALLOWED)
- You don’t have to wear a uniform at school. (IT IS NOT
NECESSARY)
-She needn’t bring anything; there’s lots of food.
-She doesn’t have to bring anything; there’s lots of food.
- It’s 8 o’clock. Sally must be at work. (I’M SURE)

- It’s 8 o’clock. Sally can’t be at home. (IT’S IMPOSSIBLE)

 -Advice
-Opinion
-Moral duty

-You ought to improve your manners.

- I think you should tell him the truth.
- Carol should visit her grandfather more often.
 Scissors can be
dangerous if not used
properly.

I may go to the party.

(I’m not sure, it’s
possible)

I might go to the party.

(I’m not sure, it’s improbable)