11/12/2023
Unit 4
Grammar
(Modal Verbs)
Facilitator:
Aisha Majeed
i. Maybe you should ask for your money back,
Matthew.
ii. They ought to make these things a bit
easier for you.
iii. I had better read the instructions again.
iv. I think, this bit is supposed to go in here.
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Should, Ought
to, Had better,
Be supposed to
Should and Ought to
We use should and ‘ought to’ to say what is the
best thing or the right thing to do.
There is no difference in meaning.
1.You're not very well. Perhaps you should see a doctor.
2.Your uncle was very kind to me. I ought to write him
a letter of thanks.
3.People shouldn't break /oughtn't to break their
promises.
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Should and Ought to
We can also use should and ought to in questions to
ask for advice.
Where should I put this picture, do you think?
It's a difficult problem. How ought we to deal with it?
After should or ought to we can use a continuous form
(be + an ing-form).
It’s half past six already. I should be cooking the tea.
Why are you sitting here doing nothing? You ought to be
working.
Had Better
We use had better to say what is the best thing to do in a
situation.
It's cold. The children had better wear their coats.
The neighbours are complaining. We'd better turn the music
down.
We could also use should or ought to in these examples,
although had better is stronger. The speaker sees the action as
necessary and expects that it will happen.
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Be Supposed to
We use be supposed to when we are talking about the
normal or correct way of doing things.
The guests are supposed to buy flowers for the hostess.
Look at these cars. This area is supposed to be kept clear of
traffic.
We can use was /were supposed to for the past.
It's eleven o'clock. You were supposed to be here at ten thirty,
you know.
Do Exercises.
Asking people to
do things
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Polite Requests
We can use can or could in a request,
when we ask someone to do something.
Can everyone be quiet for a minute, please?
Could you lend me ten pounds until tomorrow?
~ Sorry, I haven't got ten pounds.
Could is often more polite than can.
Polite Requests
In a request we can also use Do you mind
...? or Would you mind...? with an ing-form.
Do you mind waiting a moment? ~ No, I can wait.
Would you mind sitting in the back? ~ No, not at all.
Do Exercises.
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Suggestions,
Offers, and
Invitation
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Suggestions
We can use Shall we ...? or Let's to make a suggestion.
It's a lovely day. Shall we go for a walk? ~ Yes,
OK. Let's play some music. ~ Good idea.
We can also use could for a suggestion.
We could watch this comedy on TV tonight. ~ Well, actually
I've seen it before.
You could invite a few friends around. ~ Yes, why not?
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Suggestions
We can also use Why don't...?
Why don't we have a look round the market?
To ask for a suggestion we use shall, should or
can.
Where shall /should we go for our holiday? ~ What
about Spain?
What can I get Claire for her birthday? ~ I've no idea.
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Offers
We can use will or can to offer to do something.
I'll carry your bag. ~ Oh, thanks.
We can give you a lift. ~ Oh, that would be great. Thank
you.
We can also use question forms with shall or can.
Shall we pay you the money now? ~ Oh, there's no hurry.
Can I get a taxi for you? ~ Yes, please.
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Offers
To offer food or drink, we use ‘would like’.
Would you like one of these chocolates? ~ Yes, please.
Thank you.
We can also use Will /Won't you have ... ?
Will you have a biscuit? ~ Thank you.
Won't you have something to drink? ~ Not for me,
thank you
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Invitations
The words we use in invitations are similar to those we
use in offers of food and drink. To invite someone, we
often use Would you like to ...?
Would you like to have lunch with us? ~ Yes, I'd love
to. Thank you.
We can also use Will /Won't you ...?
Will you join us for coffee? ~ Yes. Thanks. Won't you sit
down?
Do Exercises.
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