FORMATION ( AFFIRMATIVE, MODAL VERBS possibility, ability and permission in CAN the present or future. neg.

- logical impossibility I can speak many languages. Can I go to the party? She cant be at home, I saw her 10 minutes ago. ability, possibility and permission in COULD the past or in polite requests He could swim when he was only four. Could you help me, please? I couldnt understand him. ability and opportunity in the past, BE ABLE TO present or future (specific occasion) I am able to get all the work done. Were you able to stop the car in time? They wont be able to stop it. possible and probable actions in the MAY future; permissions and possible conditions possible actions in the future or MIGHT improbable events or situations. You may telephone from here. May I take a photo? He may not go to the party. Hes sick. I might be working late tomorrow. He might not be at home. What might happen? obligation, necessity, deduction; in MUST the negative form - prohibition You must take your medication regularly. My glasses must be here somewhere. He mustnt tell anyone what I said. obligation HAVE TO I have to work on Sundays. Do you have to get your passport? She doesnt have to go to the dentist. facts in the future, predictions, WILL invitations, characteristic behaviour Ill wait for you if you like. Will you have a cup of tea? Shes on diet. She wont eat at all. WOULD past prediction, prediction about a possible situation; politeness; past of will offers, suggestions SHALL advice; past form of shall; logical SHOULD consequence How about a cup of tea? That would be nice. Would you go without me? I wouldnt go without you. Shall I close the window? Shall we dance? You should accept the job. Should we tell him the news? She shouldnt be so shy. saying what is the right thing to do OUGHT TO She ought to be working. You oughtnt to forget your obligations. USE INTERROGATIVE, NEGATIVE)

A) Complete the sentences with appropriate modal verbs. 1. ____________ you ____________ to get up early? 2. Theyre having a baby. They ____________ have to buy a bigger house. 3. Im sorry I ____________ help you with your homework. 4. ____________ we go out tonight? 5. Why dont you apply for that job? You ____________ get it. 6. I think we ____________ do something to stop pollution. 7. ____________ I borrow this book? 8. My wife is waiting for me. I ____________ not be late. B) Write a second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use the words in brackets. 1. Perhaps Mary is doing overtime. (may) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 2. I managed to go to university. (able) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 3. They should think very well before acting. (ought) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 4. Its forbidden to smoke here. (mustnt) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 5. Its impossible for you to see it at this distance. (cant) _________________________________________________________________ _______

6. It is possible that Anne did not see the message. (might) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 7. I advise you to study more in order to pass the exam. ( should) _________________________________________________________________ _______ 8. She was able to play the piano when she was only four. (could) 9. _________________________________________________________________ _______

C) Complete the conversation between Sarah and her mother. Sarah: Mon, (1) ____________ I go to the cinema with Susan? Mother: No, you (2) ____________. You (3) ____________ study for tomorrows test. You (4) ____________ be more responsible. Sarah: But, mom, you (5) ____________ at least let me rent a movie to see later on with Susan? Mother: OK, you (6) ____________ do that. But you (7) ____________ start studying right now. You (8) ____________ improve your marks. Susan: I (9) ____________ like to, but I dont know if I (10) ____________.

Answer key

A) 1. Do have;

2. will; 3. cant; 4. Shall; 5. might; 6. should; 7. Can; 8. must B) 1. Mary may be doing overtime. 2. I was able to go to university. 3. They ought to think very well before acting. 4. You mustnt smoke here. 5. You cant see it at this distance. 6. Anne might not have seen the message. 7. You should study more to pass the exam. 8. She could play the piano when she was only four. C) 1. can / may 2. cant / may not 3. have to 4. should 5. could 6. can / may 7. have to 8. have to 9. would 10.can