Modals And related verbs

Modal verbs Will Could Would May Shall Might Should Must Can Ought to

Verbs related to modals Similar to modals when it comes to meaning, but function in a different way Have to (morati) To be allowed to (smjeti) To be able to (moći)

Use: Used in front of other verbs and add meanings such as: obligation, certainty, probability, possibility, ability, permission, prohibition I go to school every day. I must go to school every day. – obligation

Use: All modals have at least two meanings: Her car is not at home. She must be out. (Sigurno je vani) – probability All modals can express degrees of certainty, probability and possibility. will must/can’t should may might/could most certain least certain

Characteristics: There is no –s in the third person. He can do that. There is no do/does in the question. Can he do that? There is no don’t/doesn’t in the negative. He cannot (can’t) do that.

Characteristics: They are followed by an infinitive without to. The exception is ought to. I must study. I ought to study. They don’t have past forms, infinitives, or –ing forms. Other verbs are used. I must study today. I had to study yesterday. They can be used with perfect infinitives to refer to the past. She must have written her homework by now. (Sigurno je napisala zadaću dosad.)

OBLIGATION: should, must, have to / have got to You should study harder. (Trebao bi učiti više.) mild obligation, advice I must study harder. I want to pass the exam. (Moram učiti više.) strong obligation, the speaker feels the necessity I have to study harder. The teacher told me so. (Moram učiti više.) strong obligation, situation makes sth necessary (law, rule)

OBLIGATION: should, must, have to / have got to I've got to study harder. spoken English, British E I had to study yesterday. umjesto must, za prošlost koristimo oblik had to You mustn't play computer games. (Ne smiješ igrati kompjuterske igrice.) prohibition (zabrana), it’s important NOT to do something I don't have to write my homework. (Ne moram pisati zadaću). no obligation

PERMISSION: can, may, be allowed to May I go out? (Smijem li ići van?) I can go out tonight. (Mogu/smijem ići van večeras.) I am allowed to go out tonight. (Smijem ići van večeras.) I was allowed to go out last night. (Smjela sam ići van sinoć.) I will be allowed to go out tomorrow. (Smjet ću ići van sutra.)

ABILITY: can, could, be able to I can speak English. (Znam govoriti engleski.) He could swim when he was 5. (Znao je plivati kad je imao 5 godina.) general ability He was able to swim across the river. (Mogao je preplivati rijeku.) specific occasion He will be able to swim when he recovers. (Moći će plivati kad se oporavi.)

REQUESTS: can, could, will, would Can I speak to you, please? – more familiar Could I ask you a question? – more formal Will you help me, please? Would you pass me the salt?

OFFERS: will, shall Shall we go out for a meal tonight? – suggestion Dave will give you a lift. - intention I will give you a lift if you like. - offer