Modal Verbs

Our aims are

To know…
To learn…

Modal verbs

Must
Have to
Ought to
Need to
Should
Can/ could
May/might

Main meanings

Must – obligation imposed by the speaker / logical assumption

Need to – necessity
Should – suggestion, advice
Can – possibility
-

You could talk to your parents about whether or you should marry her.
You might

You should brush your teeth twice a day.
We could meet for dinner at the

Offer

Shall we dance?
Would you like to join my friends and I

Ability

I can dance and sing.
I can’t pilot a ship.
I am unable

Possibility

Smoking can cause cancer.
John could be fired for stealing.
I may see

Permission

Can I wear my sunglasses in my work uniform today?
May I

Obligation

You must be at work tomorrow before 8:00.
You mustn’t be late.
I

Lack of Obligation

You don’t have to clean your room today.
You needn't water the

He must live near here because he comes to work on

You can’t park here, sir.
You can wear jeans but you can’t

Request

Can / Could / Will / Would help me the

Affirmative / negative differences

Have to (obligation)/don’t have to (lack of obligation)
Must

Ex.1a p.68

E

C

B

F

G

D

A