6.6.2: Summary of Modal Verbs and Related Expressions
- Page ID
- 257471
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Present Ability \(\rightarrow\) Can \(\rightarrow\) I can run 2 miles.
I am able to run 2 miles.
Past Ability \(\rightarrow\) Could \(\rightarrow\) In my country, I could easily communicate with everyone.
In my country, I was able to easily communicate with everyone.
I couldn't drive before I came to the United States.
I wasn't able to speak English before I took ESOL classes.
Specific Past Ability \(\rightarrow\) was able to \(\rightarrow\) We were able to get to the play on time in spite of the traffic.
I was able to find an inexpensive hotel for my vacation. (No "could" for specific past ability)
Future Ability \(\rightarrow\) Will be able to\(\rightarrow\) When I graduate, I will be able to get a better job.
I won't be able to graduate until I complete the required number of units.
Asking for Permission \(\rightarrow\) Can/Could/May \(\rightarrow\) Can I go to the party?
May I stay out until midnight.
Could I bring my friends with me?
\(\rightarrow\) May \(\rightarrow\) May I stay out until midnight.
Past Permission \(\rightarrow\) Could \(\rightarrow\) As a child, I couldn’t stay up after 10pm.
As a child, I wasn’t able to stay up after 10 pm.
Requests \(\rightarrow\) Will/Can/Could\(\rightarrow\) Could you help me with the laundry, please?
Will you come to my party?
Can you lend me a pencil?
Advice \(\rightarrow\) Should \(\rightarrow\) You should always get a good night’s sleep before taking a test.
You shouldn’t go to that movie. It wasn’t very good.
Warning \(\rightarrow\) hbetter \(\rightarrow\) You’d better pay your rent on time.
You’d better not come to cad lass late again.
Personal need / obligation \(\rightarrow\) Have to/ Have got to/Had to \(\rightarrow\) I have to do my homework.
I have to call my mother.
I’ve got to go. I don't want to be late.
I had to study for my Math test last night.
A person of authority stating a need \(\rightarrow\) Must \(\rightarrow\) Manager to employees: All employees must wear the required uniform.
Students must get a signed permission form to go on the field trip.
Legal obligation / rules \(\rightarrow\) Must \(\rightarrow\) You must wear a seatbelt when driving.
Negative rule/obligation \(\rightarrow\) Must not \(\rightarrow\) You must not smoke here.
You can't use your cell phone in the waiting room.
Don't park in the staff parking spaces.
Children are not allowed to swim without an adult present.