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Inglés Instrumental: Unit 4. Modal Verbs
Inglés Instrumental: Unit 4. Modal Verbs
CHARACTERISTICS
Modal verbs are those verbs used to say whether something is necessary or is a good idea,
and to say how certain or possible something is. They modify the meaning of the verb that
follows.
Remember that:
- Modal verbs are defective: they lack past or future tenses. They lack also the infinitive
(can’t be preceded by ‘to’) and the –ing form.
Should (NOT ‘to should’ or ‘shoulding’)
- Questions, negatives, tags and short answers are made without an auxiliary verb: just
invert the subject and the modal verb or add not or -n't to the modal verb.
Can you swim? (NOT Do you can swim?)
I can’t swim. (NOT I don ’t can swim)
- After modal auxiliary verbs, we use the infinitive without to of other verbs. Ought to
is an exception.
I must water the flowers. (NOT I must to water…)
- When it is necessary to use a tense that these modal verbs don’t have (infinitives, present
participles, past or future tenses) we must use a semi-modal. Semi-modal verbs substitute
modal verbs without their grammatical handicaps. Semi-modal verbs are:
By the end of this course you will be able to draw a plan on your own. (NOT will can)
Have to is more common for general, external obligations, for example rules and law.
I have to wear a shirt and tie at work (it’s the rule in this company).
Do you have to work on Saturday?
Must is more common for specific (i.e. on one occasion) or personal obligation.
I must remember to phone Emily tonight, it’s her birthday.
You must be on time for class tomorrow. There‘s a test.
You can also use have to and must for strong suggestions.
You have to/must see that film, it’s fantastic.
- You don’t have to do something = you don’t need to do it, but you can do it if you want.
You don’t have to pay for the tickets. They’re free.
You don’t have to go to the party if you don’t want to.
PROHIBITION
- You mustn’t do something = it is necessary that you do not do it, so don’t do it. It is a
prohibition.
You mustn’t eat that cake, it’s for the party.
You mustn’t touch that. It’s dangerous.
- Should isn’t as strong as have to or must. We use it to say if we think something is the
right or wrong thing to do. It is normally used to express a personal opinion or give
advice.
You can also use ought to and ought not to instead should and shouldn’t. It sounds more
assertive and emphatic than should.
You should take an umbrella with you. You ought to take an umbrella with
you.
- May/might: when you think something is possible. Might is used to express more
uncertainty.
- Can expresses abilities in the present time, while could is used for past abilities.
She can speak English and Chinese.
He could play the violin when she was three.
- For other tenses and forms use be able to. We can use be able to in the present, past,
future, present perfect, and as a gerund or infinitive.
I love being able to sleep late at weekends.
I’ll be able to practise my English in London.
E.g. You shouldn’t/ mustn’t drink that water. It’s not safe.
b. Complete the second sentence with two or three words so it means the same
as the first.
3. I’m not sure why she hasn’t phoned. She have my new number.
be able to.
E.g. They told me that they couldn’t do anything about the noise.