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Understanding Modal Verbs in English

The document discusses different modal verbs used with verbs in the infinitive to express obligation, permission, recommendations, ability, requests, rules, and possibilities. Some key modal verbs and their meanings covered include: have to/must for obligation, can/be allowed to for permission, should for recommendations, can/could/be able to for ability, can-could-may for requests, must for rules, and may/might for possibilities. Examples are provided to illustrate the usage of each modal verb.

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MICHAEL ENRIQUE CORDOBA ASPRILLA
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50 views1 page

Understanding Modal Verbs in English

The document discusses different modal verbs used with verbs in the infinitive to express obligation, permission, recommendations, ability, requests, rules, and possibilities. Some key modal verbs and their meanings covered include: have to/must for obligation, can/be allowed to for permission, should for recommendations, can/could/be able to for ability, can-could-may for requests, must for rules, and may/might for possibilities. Examples are provided to illustrate the usage of each modal verb.

Uploaded by

MICHAEL ENRIQUE CORDOBA ASPRILLA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODAL VERBS + VERB IN INFINITIVE

** OBLIGATION: Have to / must**

You have to study for the test./ You don't have to study

She has to study for the test./ She doesn't have to study

I must study for the test. /I mustn't study

She must work because she needs money.

I musn't feed the birds. (prohibition)

**PERMISSION: CAN / BE ALLOWED TO**

You can get home at midnight.

You are allowed to use the pool in the morning.

If you buy the ticket you are allowed to use the metro.

You can't take your English class today.

You aren't allowed to take your English class today.

**RECOMMENDATIONS/ SUGGESTIONS/ ADVICES: SHOULD**

You SHOULD have tea at nights.

You SHOULDN'T go out after 10 pm.

**ABILITY: CAN/COULD/ BE ABLE TO**

I can drive my car. = I'm able to drive my car.

My mother can cook well. She took a cooking course.

My mother is able to cook well. She took a cooking course.

** REQUESTS: CAN- COULD - MAY**

I had to work with Salomon when I was a child.

I didn't have to work when I studied at the Univ...

**TALK ABOUT RULES: MUST **

You must use a helmet when you ride your motorcycle.

**MODALS OF POSIBILITY: MAY/ MIGHT**

MAY: A bigger Possibility. They may be at home.

MIGHT: A less certain possibility. The might be at home.

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