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Modal Chart

The document provides definitions and examples of different modal verbs and modal expressions in English related to ability, possibility, obligation, certainty and advice. Some of the modal verbs and expressions defined include can, could, may, might, must, have to, need to, shouldn't, ought to, shall and would. Examples are provided to illustrate the meaning and use of each modal verb or expression.

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Miguel Ángel
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903 views

Modal Chart

The document provides definitions and examples of different modal verbs and modal expressions in English related to ability, possibility, obligation, certainty and advice. Some of the modal verbs and expressions defined include can, could, may, might, must, have to, need to, shouldn't, ought to, shall and would. Examples are provided to illustrate the meaning and use of each modal verb or expression.

Uploaded by

Miguel Ángel
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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
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ABILITY CAN

REQUEST

POSSIBILITY

INABILITY

PROHIBITION

DISBELIEF

SUGGESTION/ OFFER

OBLIGATION/ NECESSITY

CERTAINTY TRUE

OF

LACK OF OBLIGATION/ NECESSITY

ADVICE/ OPINION

Mary can swim very Can you call me I can meet you fast tonight? later homework on time

BE ABLE TO I was able to finish my CAN'T

I can't eat a whole You can't drive That can't be the cake by myself without a licence price - it's much too cheap She could run fast Could you help me Mark could join when she was a child with the suitcases? us at the cinema (past) (polite) It may/might rain tomorrow May I join team? (polite) this Would you like something to drink? You must bring She's got a great your books to class job. She must be (strong) very happy. I have to buy the tickets today I need to cook dinner tonight. You needn't bring anything to the party I don't have to get up early tomorrow You musn't exceed the speed limit You should/ ought to improve your pronunciation Shall I help you with your luggage? You could exercise and eat healthier food (polite)

COULD

MAY/MIGHT MAY WOULD

Would you open the window, please? (formal)

MUST

HAVE TO NEED TO NEEDN'T

DON'T HAVE TO

MUSTN'T

SHOULD /OUGHT TO

SHALL

MEANING Would have + participle Should/ought to + participle Shouldnt have + participle Neednt have + participle Must have + participle May/might have + participle Could have + participle Couldnt have + participle Desire to do something in the past which in fact could not be done. Criticism or regret after an event Criticism or regret after an event, showing that it shouldnt have happened Lack of necessity A logical conclusion about a past fact A supposition about something in the past Ability to do something in the past which in the end was not done Certainty that something did not happen

EXAMPLE I would have visited you, but I didn't know you were ill You should have phoned me yesterday, now it's late They shouldn't have forgotten to call her on that special date You needn't have brought any food to the party Lights are on! She must have arrived She may have missed the bus, it's very late I could have got a better mark if I had studied hard You couldn't have seen Peter, he is travelling this week

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