Modals &

Similar
Expressions
Make a list of
Modal verbs &
Similar
expressions in
English
Answers
 can/could ≈ be able to
 can/ could/may/ might ≈ be likely to
 will/would ≈ be going to
 should/ ought to ≈ be supposed to/ had better
 must ≈ have to/ have got to/ be to
 would ≈ used to
 would rather ≈ prefer
What are the
functions/ usage of
these Modal verbs
& Similar
expressions?
Answers Ability
• can/could
• be able to

Possibility
• Can/could (not)
• May/might (not)

Permission
• Can/could/may
• Be allowed to
• Do you mind if
• Is it alright if....

Prohibition
• Cant/may not
• Must not
• Be not allowed to
1.5 Obligation
1.6 Advice
1.7 Request
1.8 Offer and suggestion
1.1 Ability
 1.1 Ability
someone’s ability to
do sth.
Present
Now perfect
Past future

Have/has been
able to
• Can
• (is/am/are)able
to
• could
will be able to
• was/were able to
 Can vs. Be able to????
can Be able to
Usage 1. to say sb. has the ABILITY TO DO STH.
Form S+ can + V (bare inf.) S+ be able to” + V (bare inf.)
Example I can sing very well. Ex: I am be able to play the guitar.
Negative forms S+ cannot+ V (bare inf.) S+ be + not+ able to V-bare inf.
Past form S+ could + V (bare inf.) Past form: was/were able to V-bare inf.
Negative form S+ could + not+ V (bare inf.). S+ were/was + not able to+ V (bare inf.).
Verbs can see hear smell taste feel
especially follow remember understand
“could”
 can vs. be able to
can be able to
Usage 2. Ability in the present or the future
Example He can speak four languages. He is able to speak four languages.
Usage 3. Sth. happening as we speak
Example Watch me, Mum; I can stand on one Watch me, Mum; I am able to stand on
leg. one leg.
Usage 4. Before passives
Example CDs can now be copied easily. CDs are now able to be copied easily.
Usage 5. “can”/ “be able to” = “know how to”
Example Can you cook? Are you able to cook?
can vs. be (is am are)able to
can be able to

More usual, less formal Less usual, a little more formal

Ex: I can play the guitar. Ex: I am able to play the guitar.
 could vs. was/were able to

Could + V (bare inf.) Was/were able (managed) to (bare inf.)

the ability/s.o. was allowed to do sth. (opportunity) in the past
Ex: She could/ was able to swim when she was 6.
GENERAL ABILITY (past) a PAST ACTION/OPPORTUNITY
Ex: My grandfather could speak five (somebody succeeded in doing something
languages. in a specific situation)
Ex: The fire spread quickly, but everybody
was able (managed) to escape.
With verbs of the senses (feel, hear, see,
smell, taste, understand) etc.
I could see them, but not very clearly.
I could (was able to) smell something
burning.
 could vs. was/were able to
could was/were able to
After the phrases the only thing/ place/ time, and after all
when it means 'the only thing'
All we could (were able to) see were his feet.
With almost, hardly, just, nearly
I could (was able to) nearly touch the ceiling.
Questions:
Could + S + V (bare inf.)? Were/Was + S + able to+ V (bare inf.)?
Ex: Could you describe the man to the police? Ex: Were you able to describe the man to the police?
Negative:
Was/were not able to
Couldn’t / could not
Ex: The pool was closed, so they couldn't/weren't
EX: My grandfather couldn’t swim.
able to have a swim.
Practice 26.1 Complete the sentences using can or (be) able to. If can is not
possible, use (be) able to.

1. Gary has travelled a lot. He can…… speak five languages.

2 I haven’t been able to sleep very well recently.
3 Nicole……………… can drive, but she doesn’t have a car.
be able to stand on my head, but I can’t do it any more.
4 I used to…………..
been able to
5 I can’t understand Mark. I’ve never………….. understand him.
can/will be able to
6 I can’t see you on Friday, but I……… meet you on Saturday morning.
be able
7 Ask Katherine about your problem. She might……… help you. to
can
8 You have to be careful in this part of the city. It……. be dangerous.
be able to
9 Michael has lived in Italy a long time, so he should….. speak Italian.
 26.2 Complete the sentences using can or (be) able
to. If can is not possible, use (be) able to.
1 (something you used to be able to do)
I used to be able to sing well.
2 (something you used to be able to do)
to be able to run fast.
I used……………………………………………………………………
3 (something you would like to be able to do)
like to be able to play the piano.
I’d…………………………………………………………
4 (something you have never been able to do)
never been able to get up early.
I’ve …………………………………………………………………
26.3
Complete the
sentences
with
could run
can/can’t/cou
ld/couldn’t + can wait.
couldn’t sleep
the following: can’t hear
couldn’t believe
26.4
Complete the
answers to
the questions
with was be able to finish it
was/were were able to solve it
able to … .
was able to get away
26.5Complete the sentences using could, couldn’t
or managed to.

couldn’t
managed to
could
managed to
could
couldn’t
managed to
 1.2 Possibility
Possibility

S+ could/can + V (bare inf.) S+ may/might+ V (bare inf.)

When you go to Paris next month, you It may/might be true.

could/can stay with Sarah.

Negative

S+ could/can + not + V (bare inf.) S+ may/might+ not V (bare inf.).

(couldn’t/ cannot/can’t) (mightn’t)
 “can” vs. “could”
can could
- For possible (allowed) actions
A: When you go to Paris next month, you could/can stay with Sarah.
B: Yes, I suppose I could.
To make suggestions:
A: What shall we do tonight?
B: We could go to the cinema.
Possible/ Realistic Less sure/ not realistic
You can stay with Sarah. (possible) Maybe I could stay with Sarah when I go to Paris.
(possible, less sure)
I can stay with Sarah when I go to Paris. (realistic) This is a wonderful place. I could stay here for
ever. (unrealistic)
possible (in general) possible (now/ in the future)
The weather can change very quickly in the The weather is nice now, but it could change later.
mountains. (in general) (the weather now)
 “could do sth.” vs. “could have (done) sth”
Could do sth Could have (done) sth.
Possibility (now/future) Possibility (past); but DID NOT HAPPEN

Ex: Ex:
I’m so tired, I could sleep for a week. (now) I was so tired, I could have slept for a week.
(past)
Why did you stay at a hotel?
You could have stayed with me.
Couldn’t do sth == not possible (NOW / Could not have done sth = = not possible
FUTURE (PAST)
Ex: Everything is fine right now. Things Ex: We had a really good holiday. It
couldn’t be better. couldn’t have been better.
 “may” or “might”
Form
Affirmative: may/might+ V (bare inf.)
Negative: may not/might not (mightn’t)+ V (bare It may/might not be true.
inf.)
Possibility (past): may have / might have +PP
Possible actions/happenings (future)
Possible actions( future) for sure:
Be+ going to +V (bare inf.)
Unreal Situations: MIGHT (not may)
Possible plans (future):
 may/might be V-ing (possible):
 Be+ V_ing (for sure):
example
It may be true. or It might be true. (= perhaps it is
true)
A: I wonder why Kate didn’t answer her phone.
B: She may/might have been asleep. (= perhaps she
was asleep)
Take an umbrella with you. It might rain later. (=
perhaps it will rain)
I’m going to buy a car. (for sure) # I may buy a car.
or I might buy a car. (possible)
If they paid me better, I might work harder. (not I
may work)
I may/might be going to Ireland.
I am going to Ireland soon.
 Couldn’t vs. may not/might not
Couldn’t
Something is impossible.
EX: Sarah couldn’t have received
my message. Otherwise she would
have replied. (That she got my
message is impossible)
May not/might not
Something negative is possible.
Ex: Why hasn’t Sarah replied to my
message?
I suppose she might not have
received it. (= it’s possible that she
didn’t receive it – perhaps she did,
perhaps she didn’t)
 maybe vs. may be

maybe may be

it’s possible, perhaps may + verb

‘Is it true?’ ‘Maybe. I’m not sure.’ It may be true.

For no better alternative: “might as well”

A: What shall we do? Shall we walk?

B: We might as well. It’s a nice day and don’t want to wait here for
an hour.
27.1 Which goes with which?

E
B
F
A
d
27.2 put in “can” or “could”

could
can
could
can
can
could
can
could
could
27.3 Complete the sentences. Choose from:

could have come

could be
could have been
could have
could come
could have moved
gone
27.4

couldn’t wear
couldn’t have managed
couldn’t have been
couldn’t afford
couldn‘t have
studied
couldn’t stand
Practice (p.59)

might know

might be Brazilian

may not be possible

may be Tom’s
might be driving

might have one

may not be feeling well

 have been

have arrived

be waiting

have told
 have gone

be watching

have

have left

have heard

have forgotten
 might not have wanted

couldn’t have been

couldn’t have tried

might not have been American

Practice:
p.60
 might wake
might spill

might need

might hear
might slip
30.3

might have to leave

might be able to meet
might have to pay
might have to wait
might be able to fix
 not recognise

might not be able to get tickets

might not have time

might not be able to go to the wedding.

 might as well buy.

might as well paint the bathroom

might as well watch

 • for
Asking Asking for things
1.3 Permission •
permission Asking to do things

(Unit 37)
• Giving permission
Replying
• to
permission Refusing
permission

Talking about
permissions
 Asking for 1. Can / Could (I) have/get +N Can/Could I have/get these
things …? postcards, please?
2. May I have … ? May I have these postcards,
please?
Asking for Asking TO 1. Can/ Could I +V (bare inf.) …? Hello, can I speak to Steve,
permission DO things
2. Do you think I could +V (bare
please?
Do you think I could borrow
inf)..? your bike?
3. May I +V (bare inf.) …? … May I ask you a question?
4. Do you mind if I +V (bare Do you mind if I use your phone
inf)..? charger?
5. Is it all right / Is it OK if I +V ‘Is it all right if I sit here?’ ‘Yes,
(bare inf)..? of course.’

6. (rules) be allowed to… Are we allowed to take photos?

(ask about permission)
 Replying to permission

Giving permission
You can wait in my office if you like.
1. can
Could I borrow your calculator?
2. may (more formal; less often
~ Of course you can.
used in speech)”
You may telephone from here. (a written notice)

refusing permission

1. can’t Could we picnic here?

~ I'm sorry. I'm afraid you can't.
2. may not; Members may not bring more than two
3. must not (but not couldn’t) guests into the club.
 Asking for & giving permission: what is the difference among
“may”; “could” and “can”?

may
could

can
The most formal not often
used in speech more formal and polite
 To ask for permission only
The most common  to ask& give
permission
 Talking about permissions
Present: can/be allowed to
Future: will be allowed to
Past: could/was/were allowed
to” (general permission in the
past)
Each passenger can / is allowed
to take one bag onto the plane.
Each passenger will be allowed
to take one bag onto the plane.
I could always stay/ I was always
allowed to stay up late as a child.
1.4
 Prohibition/restriction (sth. ss prohibited/ not allowed)

1. Can’t 2. must not/mustn’t = be not allowed to 3. may not

against the rules/ what is not permitted (on public signs and the most formal way to
didn’t make the notices about rules and laws) prohibit something
rules
Ex: Visitors must not park in the staff car Ex: You may not smoke
Ex: What does this park. in this house.
sign say? Oh, we mustn’t: particularly prohibition comes from
can't park here. the speaker.
Ex:
(Parent to child) You mustn't say things like that to your sister.
(Teacher to student) You mustn't be late to class.

The most
common Used in writing
The strongest prohibition
prohibition
 Certainty with “must” or “can’t”

to say that we believe sth. is certain to say that we believe sth. is not possible/impossible

must can’t

You’ve been travelling all day. You’ve just had lunch. You can’t be
You must be tired. hungry already.
Certainty with must have +PP vs. can’t/couldn’t have+ PP”

must have +PP (V3/ed) can’t/couldn’t have+ PP PP (V3/ed)

for certainty in the past:

I lost one of my gloves. I must have Sarah hasn’t contacted me. She can’t/couldn’t
dropped it somewhere. have got my message.
 Degrees of certainty

100% 95% <50%

be must Could/may/might
 Degrees of certainty
100% 95% <50%
Modal verbs be must could/may/might
Present Affirmative T: “Why isn’t Ms. Lan in St 2: “She must be St 3: “She can/ may/
class today?” sick.” might/could be sick.”
St 1: “She is sick.”
negative T: “Why doesn't Ann have St 2: “She must St 3: “She may not be/
lunch with us?” not be hungry.” might not be hungry.”
St 1: “She is not hungry.”
Past affirmative : “Why didn't Tom go to St 2: “He must St 3: He may/ might/
class yesterday?” have been sick.” could have been
St 1: “He was sick.” sick.”
negative T: “Why didn't Tom go to St 2: “He must St 3: He may/ might/
class yesterday?” have been sick.” could have been
St 1: “He was sick.” sick.”
Unit 1

Modals and
Contents 1.5 Obligation
1.6 Advice
1.7 Request
1.8 Offer and suggestion
 1.5 Obligation (sth. you are obligated to do/must do)
“You must study more grammar. It will
necessity (speaker’s opinion) help you improve.”
must Strong recommendation You must see this movie. It’s incredibly
good.
Official written rules/instructions You must be over 18 to buy alcohol.

Necessity
I have to wear glasses when I’m reading.
have/has to (a fact)
Very strong recommendation You have to visit Berlin. It’s the best
city in the world.
necessity (speaker’s opinion)
have/has got
I haven’t spoken to Sue for ages. I must / I have to phone
to (informal) her.
 1.5 Obligation

Past Obligation had to I went to the meeting yesterday, but I

had to leave early. (not I must)

They can’t repair my computer, so I’ll have

Will have to
to buy a new one.

Future Obligation They can’t repair my computer, so I’m going

Be going to have to
to have to buy a new one.

May/might have to We may/might have to change our

plans.
 1.5 Obligation

don’t/doesn’t/ didn’t have to You don’t have to come with me. I can go alone.

No obligation
don’t /doesn’t need to You don’t need to come with me. I can go alone.

needn't do You needn’t come with me. I can go alone.

 1.6 Advice

Should/ought to
Be supposed to

Had better
 1.6 Advice with should/ought to
A. The BEST THING/RIGHT THING to do B. What ISN’T A GOOD THING to do

S+ should/ought to + V (bare inf.).: S+ shouldn’t/oughtn’t to do

something
You're not very well. Perhaps you You shouldn’t believe everything you
should/ought to see a doctor. read in newspapers.
 1.6 Advice
C. Often use should with I think / I don’t think / Do you think … ?
I think the government should do more to improve schools.
I don’t think you should work so hard.
A: Do you think I should apply for this job?
B: Yes, I think you should.
D. To EXPECT STH. TO HAPPEN:
Where’s Tina? She should be here by now. (= she isn’t here yet, and this is not normal)

E. When sth. is NOT RIGHT :

The price on this packet is wrong. It should be £2.50, not £3.50.
F. When we EXPECT:
Helen has been studying hard for the exam, so she should pass. (= I expect her to pass)
 1.6 Advice with should (not) have done sth
G. For the past event

you DIDN’T DO it, but it WOULD You DID it, but it WASN’T A GOOD
HAVE BEEN A GOOD THING to do) THING to do)

S + should have done something S + shouldn’t have done something

I wonder why they’re so late. They I’m feeling sick. I shouldn’t have eaten so
should have been here long ago. much. (= I ate too much)
 1.6 Advice with had better vs. be supposed to
H. To say what is THE BEST THING to do in
a situation/ Imply a warning or a threat of I. To say about the NORMAL/CORRECT
possible bad consequences WAY of doing things

S +had better (not) + V (bare inf.) S+ be supposed to+ V (bare inf.).

(STRONGER THAN should/ought to)

The guests are supposed to buy flowers for

It's cold. The children had better wear their
coats. the hostess.
You had better not drive home now. You are
still drunk.
 1.6 Advice
K. Use “should” with “insist/demand/recommend/suggest/suppose”

I insisted that he (should) apologise.

Doctors recommend that everyone (should) eat plenty of fruit.
What do you suggest we (should) do?
Many people are demanding that something (should) be done about the problem.

G. It’s important/vital/necessary/essential/ strange/ odd /funny /typical/

natural/ interesting/ surprised/ surprising that … (should) …

It’s essential that everyone (should )be here on time.

 1.7 Making requests

1. Can/ Could /Will/Would +S+V(bare Can/Could you wait a moment, please?

inf.)?
Do you think you could take me to the
2. Do you think you could S+V(bare inf.)? airport?

3. Do you mind + V-ing? Do you mind waiting a moment? ~ No, I can wait.

4. Would you mind... + V-ing? Would you mind sitting in the back? ~ No, not at all.
1.8 Offer and suggestion

1. Shall/ Can +S+V(bare inf.)?
Shall we pay you the money
now?
~ Oh, there's no hurry.
Can I get a taxi for you?
~ Yes, please
2. S + will or can + V
(bare inf.)…
I'll carry your bag.
~ Oh, thanks. /
/ Oh, that would be great. Thank you. /
Yes, please. /
No, thanks. I can manage.
1.8.1 Offers
3. Would +S+ like+ V (to inf.) / N?
4. In informal speech:
 To offer food & drink
 use the
Would you like one of these chocolates?
IMPERATIVE.:
~ Yes, please. Thank you./ No, thanks.
V (bare inf.) +….
Will/Won't you have ... ? Have a biscuit.
Will you have a biscuit? ~ Thank you. ~ Thank you.
Won't you have something to drink? ~ Not
for me, thank you.
 1.8.2 Suggestion
Asking for suggestions???

shall, should or can

Where shall/should we go for our holiday? ~ What about Spain?

What can I get Claire for her birthday? ~ I've no idea.
 Making suggestions
1. Shall/Can/Could we + V(bare
4. Why don’t you/we + V (bare inf.).?
inf.)…?
It's a lovely day. Shall we go for a
Why don't we have a look round the market?
walk? ~ Yes, OK.

2. Let’s +V(bare inf.)… 5. How about/What about + N/V-ing?

Let's play some music. ~ Good idea. How about/What about going to the cinema?

3. S+ could+ V (bare inf.). 6. If I were you, I would/could+ V-bare inf.

You could invite a few friends around.

If I were you, I would tell the truth.
~ Yes, why not?
 Making invitations
1. Would you like to + V(bare inf.)/Noun?
2. Will you/ Won’t you….?
3. The IMPERATIVE (informal speech)
Would you like to have lunch with us?
~Yes, I'd love to. Thank you.
Would you like to stay the night.
~ Oh, that's very kind of you.
Would you like a bed for the night?
~ Are you sure it's not too much trouble?
Will you join us for coffee?
~ Yes. Thanks. Won't you sit down?
Come and have coffee with us.
Please sit down.