MUST CAN SHOULD

SHALL COULD

WILL
Modal MAY
Verbs
WOULD MIGHT

OUGHT TO HAD BETTER

▪ Modals (or auxiliary verbs) are followed by another verb in the infinitive without “to”.
▪ They are placed before the subject in interrogative sentences.
▪ We don’t add an “s” for the third person singular.
Here’s a list of those verbs:
▪ Shall
▪ Will
▪ Would
▪ Must
▪ Can
▪ Could
▪ May
▪ Might
▪ Should
▪ Ought to
▪ Had better EXERCISES
 SHALL

▪ used to indicate future action in sentences with "I" or "we"

▪ used in suggestions
▪ more commonly heard in British English
▪ the negative form of it is “shan’t”.
▪ it can be used with “have to”

Examples:

1. I shall do it tomorrow.
2. Shall we go out later?
3. We shan’t go to school tomorrow.
4. We shall have to tell her the truth.
5. We shall phone him later.
 WILL

▪ used to indicate voluntary action in the future

▪ used in to make promises
▪ used to make predictions
▪ the negative form of it is “won’t”.

Examples:

1. I promise that I will text you every day.

2. I will make dinner tonight.
3. He thinks it will rain tonight.
4. I will be a doctor when I grow up.
5. Dad won't be home before dinner.
 WOULD

▪ used to create conditional forms

▪ repetition in the past
▪ past form of “will” commonly used in indirect speech

Examples:

1. If I were you, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

2. I knew that he would be very successful in his career.
3. When they first met, they would always go to that restaurant near the beach.
4. I would never ask you to do that.
5. What would you do if you were in my position?
 MUST

▪ used to indicate a high degree of probability

▪ to indicate necessity or obligation
▪ in the negative form, used to express prohibition

Examples:

1. This must be the right address!

2. Students must pass an examination to study at this school.
3. You must go to the dentist.
4. Jenny, you must not watch TV after 10!
5. I hear thunder, it must rain today.
 CAN

▪ used to show ability or knowledge

▪ used to ask and give permission
▪ to show possibility or impossibility
▪ in the negative, opposes to “must”, showing high degree of something not happening or not
being true

Examples:

1. A hundred dollars for a single meal? It can't be right!

2. I can ride a bike.
3. We can stay at my brother's house instead of a hotel.
4. You cannot stay out after 10 PM.
5. Can you hand me the crayons?
6. Any person born in Brazil and 35 or older can be the president.
 COULD

▪ used to indicate possibility in the past

▪ ability or knowledge in the past
▪ used to make suggestions
▪ used in polite requests
▪ it’s the past of “can”, commonly used in indirect speech

Examples:

1. Nancy could swim by the age of 8.

2. You could see a movie or go out to dinner.
3. Could I use your computer to check my emails?
4. We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend.
5. Melanie told her boss she couldn't arrive earlier yesterday, that's why he fired her.
 MAY

▪ used to indicate possibility

▪ used to give or request permission

Examples:

1. Cheryl may be at home by lunch time.

2. You may leave the table when you have finished your dinner.
3. Ms. Williams, may I come in?
4. Carl is coming home by bus. That piece of junk he calls his car may be broken again.
5. The climate change report says that we may get out of food in three decades or so.
 MIGHT

▪ used to indicate possibility (less than may)

▪ used in conditional sentences
▪ as the past of “may”, commonly used in indirect speech
▪ used to make requests
▪ used to make suggestions

Examples:

1. Your glasses might be in the living room.

2. If I didn't have to work, I might go with you.
3. You might visit the city library during your visit.
4. Might I borrow your pencil?
5. It might rain by the end of the week.
6. Sarah said she might be free this weekend.
 SHOULD

▪ used to make recommendations

▪ used to show opinions
▪ used to show obligation
▪ used to show expectations

Examples:

1. When you go to Spain, you should visit Barcelona.

2. You should focus more on your family and less on work.
3. I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM.
4. By now, they should already be in Rome.
5. You shouldn't lie to me.
 OUGHT TO

▪ used to advise
▪ used to give opinions
▪ used to make recommendations
▪ the negative form is not often used, normally replaced by “shouldn’t”

Examples:

1. You ought to see a doctor.

2. Jim ought to get the promotion.
3. This stock ought to increase in value.
4. You ought to sue your neighbor for throwing garbage on the driveway.
 HAD BETTER

▪ used to express recommendation

▪ used to show desperate hope
▪ used to give advice
▪ it implies negative consequences if the advice is not followed

Examples:

1. You had better take your coat with you today.

2. That Uber had better get here soon!
3. You had better watch your tone when you talk to me!
4. She had better not keep drinking if she's driving us home.
Choose the best option:

1. You __ listen to your parents. (advice) 4. You __ get to work on time. (advice)
a) will a) had better
b) can b) can
c) should c) will

2. Tomorrow __ be a better day. (prediction) 5. I __ help you today, I’m busy. (impossibility)
a) will a) can’t
b) can b) shouldn’t
c) should c) shan’t

3. __ we go? (invitation) 6. They __ be at home by now. (expectation)

a) Would a) had better
b) Shall b) should
c) Could c) would
Choose the best option:

7. People __ waste food. (opinion) 10. I never thought I __ say that.

a) shouldn’t a) will
b) couldn’t b) would
c) won’t c) can

8. We __ plant more trees than we cut. (advice) 11. You __ do the same if you were there.
a) shall a) would
b) could b) will
c) had better c) can

9. If you don’t study, you __ flunk. 12. You __ think I’m a fool. (probability)
a) would a) might
b) will b) had better
c) shall c) would
Thanks for your Attention