MODAL VERBS UNIT 8

If we are certain about something To talk about the present: “MUST + Infinitive” or “CAN’T + Infinitive” Example: He must be a doctor. He’s wearing a white coat. He can’t be a doctor. He isn’t wearing a white coat. To talk about the past: “MUST+have+past participle” or “CAN’T+have+past participle” Example: It must have taken you a lot of effort to do this writing. It is very good. It can’t have taken you a lot of effort to do this writing, since it is full of mistakes.

If we are not certain about something ( but we think it is possible ) To talk about the present: “MAY/MIGHT/COULD ” (perhaps) Example: The shops may/might/could be open today. The shops may not/might not be open today. To talk about the past: “MAY/MIGHT/COULD+ Have + Past Participle” Example: I think I might have forgotten my book in the car. To talk about the future: “MAY/MIGHT/COULD + Infinitive” Example: It might/may/could rain tomorrow.

To give advice SHOULD  Recommendations. Example: You should focus more on your family. When you go to Paris, you should visit the Eiffel Tower. OUGHT TO  Recommendations. The same as “should” but in a more formal way. Example: We all ought to use less electricity. MIGHT  Suggestions. Example: You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. MUST  To give a strong advise to yourself or to others (based on your opinion). Example: You must try this cake, it’s wonderful.

OBLIGATION MUST/MUSTN’T  For stating rules. Strong external obligation. Example: You mustn’t smoke here. You must wear your seat-belt while driving. HAVE TO/DON’T HAVE TO  Obligation, but not from outside Example: Children have to go to school. // I don’t have to work on Sundays. SHOULD/SHOULDN’T  Mild obligation or advise. Example: You should save some money. You shouldn’t smoke so much.

I’m certain that’s not Sara’s motorbike  That Sara’s motorbike. The dog is very dirty. It’s possible he swam in the sea  The dog swum in the sea. That’s definitely the best restaurant in town  That the best restaurant in town. I’m sure your brother ate all the chocolate  Your brother all the chocolate. There’s no possibility that they cooked this properly  They cooked it properly. I’m sure you’re feeling full after all that food  You feeling full after all that food. I’m certain you didn’t see Maria out of shopping  You Maria out of shopping. It’s possible the waiter didn’t write down your order  The waiter written down your order. EXERCISE

I’m certain that’s not Sara’s motorbike  That can’t be Sara’s motorbike. The dog is very dirty. It’s possible he swam in the sea  The dog might have swum in the sea. That’s definitely the best restaurant in town  That must be the best restaurant in town. I’m sure your brother ate all the chocolate  Your brother must have eaten all the chocolate. There’s no possibility that they cooked this properly  They can’t have cooked it properly. I’m sure you’re feeling full after all that food  You must be feeling full after all that food. I’m certain you didn’t see Maria out of shopping  You can’t have seen Maria out of shopping. It’s possible the waiter didn’t write down your order  The waiter might not have written down your order. CORRECTION