Level VIII

Unit 7

Modals and related verbs

May & Might

They are used to talk about possibilities in the past, present or future.
May is sometimes a little bit "more sure" (50% chance);
Might expresses more doubt (maybe only a 30% chance).

May and can are often used to give permission: You may/can use your dictionary.

Must

Necessity and obligation: I really must get some exercise.

Strong advice and invitations: You must go and see the film - it's brilliant.

Saying you think something is certain: This must be the place, let's go in.

Can & Could

Talking about ability

Can you speak Mandarin? (present)
She could play the piano when she was five. (past)

Making requests
Can you give me a phone call at about 10?
Could you speak up a bit please? (slightly more formal, polite or 'softer')

Asking permission
Can I go to the party?
Should

Giving advice: I think you should exercise more often.

Obligation (weak form of must):The university should provide more sports facilities.

Deduction: The letter should get to you tomorrow - I posted it first class.

Exercises:

- Modals, choose the correct option

- Modals can, may, must
- Modals must, cant, could, may, might
- Modals: permissions and requests

Vocabulary hot verb Get

- Phrasal verb exercise by verb Get

- Phrasal verb quiz Get