Page 24 - Journeys C1 (Student Book)
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Grammar Modal verbs
Modal verbs are: must, will, might, can, could, Would can also be used in certain phrases:
should, ought, shall, may and would. Would you mind opening the door please?
Modal verbs do not add s in the third person. Can, could and will can also be used to make
The negative form is made by adding not, and offers. Would can also be used in certain phrases.
questions are formed by inversion.
I will/can/could bring drinks if you like.
Have to is a semi-modal because it has the same Would you like me to bring drinks?
function as a modal verb, but conjugates as a
normal verb. Need is also a semi-modal, as it
functions as a modal verb in its negative form. To specify obligation and prohibition
Use must and have to to show obligation.
To refer to the future You must/have to wear safety clothing.
Use will/won’t to make definite predictions. Use may Use can’t and mustn’t for prohibition.
or might to make less certain predictions. Sorry, you can’t/mustn’t sit here.
Brazil will/might/may win the world cup. Use don’t have to/needn’t to show that something
Use will to make promises that you will carry out in is not necessary.
the future. You don’t have to/needn’t come to the meeting.
I will be home by ten.
To deduce the unknown
To refer to ability and possibility Use must, could, might, should, may and can’t when
Use can to talk about things you are able to do now. deducing something that you don’t know for sure.
Use could to talk about abilities in the past. Use must when you feel it is the only possible option.
I can swim well. John must still be at work.
My granddad could swim well when he was young. Use should when you expect something is true.
Use can and could to talk about things that are or John should be in his office. Try calling there.
were possible. Use may, might or could when expressing
We can/could see the sea from our window. possibilities.
John could/may/might be out with friends.
To ask and give permission Use can’t when you deduce that something is not
Use may, can or could to ask permission. possible.
May/Can/Could I use the bathroom? John can’t be here yet. His car isn’t here.
Use may or can to give permission.
Yes, you can/may. To give advice
Would can also be used in certain phrases: Use must/mustn’t to give strong, personal advice or
recommendations.
Would you mind if I used the bathroom?
You must/mustn’t tell him how you feel!
Use ought (not) to/should(n’t) to give advice
To make requests and offers
about what you consider best, or what is generally
Use can or could to ask permission.
considered best.
Can/Could you open the door please?
You should/ought to see a doctor about this.
Use could to give suggestions.
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