MODAL VERBS

CAN/BE ABLE TO
(ABILITY)
In the present /future In the past
Can/be able to Could (general
ability);
was/were able to (in a
particular situation)
Example:
1. She can sing in Italian.
2. Will you be able to finish this project by Friday?
3. Mozart could play the piano at the age of three.
4. Last weekend we stayed at home, so we were able to
spend some time together.
 CAN, COULD/MAY, MIGHT + PRESENT INFINITIVE
(POSSIBILITY IN THE PRESENT/FUTURE)

Example:
1. They can/could/may/might watch TV
tonight.
2. Don’t go there! There might be a riot.

3. Sam can be noisy sometimes.

 COULD/MAY/MIGHT +
PERFECT INFINITIVE (have+V3)
(POSSIBILITY IN THE PAST)

Example:
They could/may/might have forgotten about
the concert.
*In the negative only may/might not
They may/might not have forgotten about
the concert.
 SHOULD/OUGHT TO +
PRESENT INFINITIVE
(PROBABILITY IN THE PRESENT/FUTURE)

Example:
1. She should/ought to be in her office
now.
2. You should/ought to do it tonight.
 SHOULD/OUGHT TO +
PERFECT INFINITIVE
(PROBABILITY IN THE PAST)

Example:
You should/ought to have done it last week.
 MUST
(OBLIGATION)
PRESENT PAST FUTURE
must had to will have to

Example:
I must tidy up or mum will get angry.

*Remember:
mustn’t: (prohibition)
You mustn’t smoke here.
I needn’t eat it if I don’t like it.
 HAVE (HAS) TO
(OBLIGATION)
PRESENT PAST FUTURE
have (has) (not) to had (not) to will (not) have to

Example:
You have to take this syrup three times
a day.
 TO BE TO
(OBLIGATION)
PRESENT PAST FUTURE
am/is/are to was/were to will be to

Example:
I was to leave London for Oxford.