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MODAL VERBS -1

The document explains the use of modal verbs in English, focusing on categories such as possibility (may, might, could), permission (can, could, may), necessity (must, have to, have got to), expectation (be supposed to), and advice (should, ought to, had better). Each category includes examples and clarifies the formal or informal tone associated with the verbs. It provides guidance on how to use these modals correctly in various contexts.

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23 views

MODAL VERBS -1

The document explains the use of modal verbs in English, focusing on categories such as possibility (may, might, could), permission (can, could, may), necessity (must, have to, have got to), expectation (be supposed to), and advice (should, ought to, had better). Each category includes examples and clarifies the formal or informal tone associated with the verbs. It provides guidance on how to use these modals correctly in various contexts.

Uploaded by

maria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modal

Verbs
01

possibility
may, might and could
We use may, might, or could to show possibility about
the present.
The answer to my security question might be “King”
or
it may be“King High School” or it could be “King
HS.”
We use may or might to show possibility about
the future.
I may open a new account.
I might start to do my banking online.
Negative Possibility.
For negative possibility, we use may not or
might not.

You may not remember all your


passwords.
You might not be happy with technology
02

PERMISSION
Can, could, may and
might
Asking for permission in a formal way:
Could I use this chair?
Might/May I use this chair?
Asking for permission in an informal way:
Can I sit here?

Remeber: After this modal verbs the verb


goes in its base form.
You might sit Giving You can sit
here.
permission here.
03
Necessity
obligation
Must, have to,have got
to
Must shows necessity or obligation based on a
rule, a law, or an instruction. It has an official or
formal tone.

This password must include one uppercase


letter.
It must be at least eight characters long
Have to shows necessity or obligation. It has a
less official tone than must.

Sometimes you have to answer security


questions.
Your password has to have at least one
number
Have got to is an informal way to show necessity
or obligation. Have and has are usually
contracted with the subject pronoun.

For my bank account, I’ve got to choose a


password.
It’s got to be very strong.
04
Expectation
Be supposed to
Something may be expected
because of:

• A personal obligation
• A law or a requirement
• Something we are told to expect
We are supposed to change our
passwords every 30 days.

Technology is supposed to make our lives


simpler, but sometimes it doesn’t.
Be supposed to shows a rule that is frequently
broken or an expectation that isn’t met.

I know I’m supposed to change my password


every month, but I don’t do it.

I know I’m not supposed to write down my


passwords, but I do
For the past, we use was/were supposed to. It
shows an expectation or obligation that was not
met.

I was supposed to help you with your


computer yesterday, but I forgot
05

Advice
Should, ought to,
had better
Should shows advisability. It is used to say
that something is a good idea.Shouldn’t means
that something is a bad idea.

You should change your password every month.


You shouldn’t use your birthday.
Ought to is another way of saying should.Ought
to is not usually used for negatives and
questions.

Before I click “accept,” I ought to read the


terms, but I never do.
You ought to use online banking. It’s much
quicker than going into a bank.
Had better is used in conversation and informal
writing for advisability. It states or implies a
negative consequence. We use ’d to contract had
with a pronoun.

My password is too weak. I’d better choose a


stronger one.

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