MODAL VERBS

Uses of MUST and its opposites

Major Functions of Modal Verbs ABILITY – can, be able to POSSIBILITY – can, could, may, might PERMISSION – can, could, may, might REQUESTS and OFFERS – would/could, shall, can CERTAINITY and ASSUMPTION – must, can’t, couldn’t, will, should PRESENT OBLIGATION – ought to, should, must, have to, need to, be to, will. Shall PAST OBLIGATION – had to, should have, needed to, was/were to ABSENCE of OBLIGATION – don’t have to/don’t need to, won’t have to/won’t need to needn’t, didn’t have to/didn’t need to, needn’t have ADVICE, RECOMMENDATION, SUGGESTION – had better, must, ought to/should, Ought to have, should have, might/could, hadn’t better, shall HABBIT, Typical Behavior, CRITICISM – would, ought to/should, can/could/might