6.14: 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.
\(\rightarrow\) Ought to\(\rightarrow\) You really ought to see a doctor about that cough.
Warning \(\rightarrow\) had better \(\rightarrow\) You’d better pay your rent on time.
You’d better not come to class 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.
Other ways to express obligation:
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.