Page 19 - Grasp English B2 (Grammar Book)

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Present modal verbs revision

See the modal verbs with their uses and examples below:

Modal Usage Example

I’m able to dive and swim long hours due to
ability/possibility (means manage to) these clothes and equipment.
be able to
can be used in different verb tenses Candy will be able to find a better job after
she gets her certificate.

He can help us to buy an affordable car.
ability/possibility I’ll call a serviceman if you can’t fix my
inability/impossibility
can/can’t computer.
asking permission Can I borrow your pen?
deduction
You can’t be serious.
Could I use your charger, please?
asking permission/request Could you repeat that, please?
could/couldn’t
ability in the past I could write poems when I was in high
school.
You have to hand in your homework before
next Friday.
have to exterior obligation, necessity
Mr Marquez has to travel a lot as part of his
job.
past obligation/necessity (past form of Hayley had to change her blouse when she
had to
both must and have to) spilt some sauce on it.
don’t/doesn’t not a necessity You don’t have to pay for the internet; it is
have to (need to) free for students.
May I ask a question?
possibility/asking permission
may/might I haven’t seen Mrs Anita recently. She might
possibility/deduction
be on leave.
necessity/obligation I must leave in a few minutes.
must strong advice You must read this book. You‘ll like it.
deduction He must be the new director.
mustn’t prohibition You mustn’t use calculators in the exam.

need to necessity Do we need to wear masks here?
shall offer Shall I help you with the cleaning?
ought to/ought They ought to be at the station before 10 am.
not to advice/recommending action You should see a dentist as soon as possible.
should/shouldn’t I think we should change the topic.
spontaneous decisions/willingness Wait a minute! I’ll open the door.
request Will you tell me the shortest way?
will
promise I’ll send an email when I arrive at the office.
prediction Our team will be the winner tonight.

asking permission/request
would offers and invitations (as would you Would you hold my suitcase for a second?
Would you like to have some more tea?
like...)

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