1BAT 1

MODAL VERBS
KEEP THIS LIST (AND LAMINATE IT IF POSSIBLE) FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

WILL SHALL WOULD SHOULD MAY MIGHT CAN

COULD MUST - HAVE (GOT) TO OUGHT TO NEED

1.- will is used to express

1. Itll be raining tomorrow. 1. a prediction about the future.
2. Nothing on TV. Ill go to the cinema instead. 2. a decision made while you are speaking.
3. Will you sit down, please? 3. a request or a refusal.
I wont go with you.
4. Ill take you to the cinema. 4. a promise.
5. Could you lend me 17? Of course I will. 5. willingness.
6. You will start work at 8 on Monday. 6. an order.
7. I will not be treated in this way. 7. determination.

2. shall is used to express

1. We shall send you the information as soon as 1. the future (in the same way as will but only with I and
possible. we)
2. Shall we go out for a meal tonight? 2. a suggestion.
3. Shall I carry that case for you? 3. an offer.
4. No pupil shall enter the library without the permission Notice shall is occasionally used in very formal (written)
of a teacher. orders.

3. would is used to express

1. Id like to go now. 1. a wish (sometimes suggesting annoyance or
I wish you wouldnt smoke so much. disapproval).
2. I would move house if I had the money. 2. The result part of a conditional sentence.
3. Would you type this for me, please? 3. a polite request.
4. Id rather have tea than coffee. 4. a preference with rather.
5. Will you ring me? He asked if I would ring him. 5. the reporting of will.
6. He would sing at the top of his voice in the shower. 6. a habit in the past.

4. should is used to express

1. I should really help my mother with the dishes (but I 1. an obligation (which you may not carry out)
wont).
2. You should study harder. 2. advice.
3. We should be taking off in a few minutes. 3. something that will almost certainly happen as long as
nothing unexpected prevents it.
4. I/We should be most grateful if you could send us a 4. conditional sentences in more formal/written style with
copy of the agreement. I and we.
5. I should have told you but I forgot. 5. (with the perfect infinitive) an obligation which was not
carried out.

5. may and might are used to express

1. He may/might be the new teacher. 1. a possibility now.
2. He may/might be late this evening. 2. a possibility in the future. Notice might is rather less
certain than may in meaning.
3. May/Might I ask a question? 3. asking for permission. Notice may is more common
than might here and can is often used instead of may.
4. They may/might have been held up in the traffic. 4. (with the perfect infinitive)
1BAT 2

MODAL VERBS
6. can is used to express
1. I can ski/drive a car 1. knowing how to do something.
2. Im free tomorrow. I can drive you to the airport. 2. being able to do something.
3. Can I go now? 3. asking for permission (used informally instead of may)
4. Can you come to the park? 4. a possibility.
5. You cant be tired! Youve been asleep all morning. 5. an unlikely explanation for something now: Its
impossible for you to be tired.
6. You cant have been pleased when you realized what 6. (with the perfect infinitive) an unlikely explanation for
he had done! something in the past: It wasnt possible for you to be
pleased.

7. could is used to express

1. When I was six I could play the piano. 1. knowing how to do something in the past.
2. When I was younger I could drive for hours without a 2. being able to do something in the past.
break.
3. Could I use your phone? 3. asking for permission (used informally instead of may
but rather more polite than can).
4. Could he be right? 4. a possibility (rather less strong than can)
5. They couldnt have phoned her. She hasnt got a 5. (with the perfect infinitive) an unlikely explanation for
phone! something in the past: It wasnt possible for them to
phone her.

8. must is used to express

1. I must wash my hair tonight. 1. a personal obligation.
2. The work must be done before tomorrow. 2. what you consider to be someone elses obligation.
3. You must not smoke in here. 3. (with not) what is not allowed.
4. You must be exhausted after all that work. 4. a reasonable conclusion made about something now.
5. You must have been surprised when she said she 5. (with the perfect infinitive) a reasonable conclusion
was getting married. about something in the past.

9. have (got) to is used to express

Ive got to /have to be on time tomorrow. what is or isnt necessary
We havent got to / dont have to do it if we dont want
to.

10. ought to is used to express

1. I really ought to go and see her. 1. an obligation (which you may or may not carry out).
2. I ought to have gone to see her but I was busy. 2. (with the perfect infinitive) an obligation which you did
not carry out.
Notice ought to is rather stronger than should.

11. need
1. You neednt shout. I can hear you. 1. neednt is used here as a modal verb.
You neednt bring anything to the party.
2. Need I take anything to the party? 2. There is also a question form, constructed in the same
way as questions with can, must and other modals.
3. You neednt have phoned. I already knew you were 3. neednt with the perfect infinitive expresses the idea
coming. that something in the past was not necessary but it was
done.
Compare the ordinary verb need:
You dont need to shout. I can hear you.
Do I need to take anything to the party?
You didnt need to phone. I already knew you were
coming.
1BAT 3

MODAL VERBS
1BAT 4

MODAL VERBS
Steps

Modal verbs: General points. 3.- Complete the sentences with the correct form of the
modal verbs in the list.
Modal verbs are verbs with unique characteristics. They work have to can cant mustnt must might can
alongside the main verb to add extra meaning to a sentence, for 1. She __________ play the piano very well.
example obligation, permission, etc. 2. We ___________ get home late or our parents will be
Structure angry.
All modal verbs share the following characteristics: 3. __________ we ___________ get up now? Its only 7
We put an infinitive without to after most modal verbs oclock?
(but not ought to) 4. Its Juanas birthday tomorrow. I ___________
We must get there before seven oclock. remember to buy her a present.
She should study harder. 5. I ____________ come to your party on Saturday
BUT I ought to go home now. because Im going on holiday.
Modal verbs do not take s in the third person: I can 6. __________ he dance the salsa?
swim. He can swim. 7. They ____________ go swimming, but they arent
Modal verbs do not use the auxiliary verb do/does to sure.
4.- Choose the correct alternative.
form negatives, questions or short answers.
1. They can/cans speak English together next year.
She shouldnt eat salt. May I help you? Yes, you
2. Look at that cake! She musts/must be a good cook.
may. I can invite her, cant I? We neednt retake
3. We dont must/mustnt be late for school.
the exam.
4. I have to /has to work very hard this year.
Modal verbs can use contractions with negatives.
5. Do you can / Can you learn to drive when youre 16 in
He should not work too hard He shouldnt work too your country?
hard. 6. My brother can/cans run 100 metres in 10.2 seconds.
Modal verbs only have one form. Therefore, to express 7. Do we have to / Have we to be home by 10.00 p.m.?
different tenses, we sometimes have to use other verbs 5.- Correct the sentences:
with similar meanings. 1. Do you can go out at the weekend?
He might study physics next year > They thought he 2. She musts remember to go to the dentist today.
was probably going to study physics. 3. We might to drive to Andorra this summer.
I cant finish in time > I wont be able to finish in time. 4. Do she have to go out with him every night?
Use: many modal verbs have several different 5. It might to be hot tomorrow.
meanings, depending on their context. 6. The baby doesnt can talk yet.
7. Pablo cans look at a word for the first time and
1.- Choose the correct verb in each sentence. remember it immediately.
1. Alice hasnt come to school she must /musts/must
to be ill. 6.- Choose the correct meaning for each sentence.
2. Does he can / Can he / Can he to swim? 1. Dogs cant come in here. a) Dogs arent allowed in
3. You dont must / mustnt to / mustnt say that. here. b) Its better if dogs dont come in here.
4. I hope that she cans / can / can to come. 2. It cant be John. Hes at school. a) Its possible that its
5. Do I must / Must I to / Must I learn all this grammar? John. b) Its impossible that its John because we know
6. We cant / cant to / dont can speak Italian. he is somewhere else.
3. It might rain later. Look at those black clouds. a) It
2.- Write the words in the correct order. definitely wont rain later. b) Its possible it will rain later.
1. well / English / teacher / very / speak/ my /can 4. Lara ought to change her computer. a) Its necessary
2. class / in / behave / must / you / well for Lara to change her computer. b) Its a good idea for
3. day / uniform / I / to / wear / every / school / have Lara to change her computer.
4. drive / their / grandmother / cant 5. You mustnt take a mobile phone to school. a) Its
5. exam / during / mustnt / an / talk against the rules to take a mobile phone to school. b)
6. allowed / week / late / out / during / Alicia / stay / isnt / You shouldnt take a mobile phone to school, but you
to / the can if you want to.
7. cousins / might / visit / weekend / we / our / at / the 6. You neednt hurry. We arent late. a) It isnt a good idea
to hurry. b) It isnt necessary to hurry.
7. You have to be seventeen to apply for a driving licence
in Britain. a) Its necessary to be seventeen before you
can apply for a driving licence. b) You can apply for a
driving licence before you are seventeen.
1BAT 5

MODAL VERBS

ABILITY AND PERMISSION

CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO, BE ALLOWED TO
We use the modal verb can to talk about ability in the present.
Two of my friends can play the guitar.
I cant hear you. NOT I dont hear you.

We use the modal verb could to talk about ability in the past.
I couldnt see anything. NOT I didnt see anything.
We couldnt use computers in the classroom twenty years ago.

As can and could cannot be used in all tenses, we use be able to to talk about ability in other tenses.
One day, people will be able to visit Mars.
We havent been able to go on holiday, as were too busy.

We use the modal verb can to talk about permission in the present.
Can I go now?
Students cant leave the school building during the day.

We use the modal verb could to talk about permission in the past.
We couldnt wear our own clothes to school.

As can and could cannot be used in all tenses, we use be allowed to to talk about permission in other tenses.
You wont be allowed to wear those earrings at school.
I havent ever been allowed to stay out after midnight.

We use mustnt to express strong prohibition.

You mustnt smoke in here.

1.- Ability and permission: can, could (modals), be able to, be allowed to.
Do the modal verbs express ability (A) or permission (P)?
1. My sister can speak four languages. ______
2. Ive never been able to understand this._________
3. Everybodys allowed to express an opinion. __________
4. He could play the piano when he was six. ________
5. I hope that youll be able to visit us._________
6. Youre not allowed to enter its private.____
7. You cant park the car there its illegal. _______
8. You wont be able to climb that mountain. Its too high. _____
9. You can get married at the age of 16 in Britain. _______
10. Bea cant play any instruments, but she wants to join a band. _______
11. Can we walk on the grass here? ________
12. Theyve never been able to understand each other. ________
13. We cant wear trainers at our school. _________
14. I hope Ill be able to get a good job after university. ________

2.- Complete the sentences with the correct verb in either a) or b).
1. _________ I ask you a question please? ________ to smoke in here? a) Can I / Are we allowed to b) Am I allowed to /
Am I able?
2. _________ read this. ________ see what it says? a) I dont able to / Could you b) I couldnt / Can you
3. We __________ help other people if we _______ help ourselves. a) wont be able to / cant b) cant be able to/ wont
4. Paula ______ phone Jane yesterday. __________ phone her from your house? a) didnt able to / Can she to b) wasnt
able to/Could she
5. _________ help me with this exercise? I ________ do it. a) Do you able to / can b) Can you / cant
6. I _________ find the answers. _______ tell me where they are? a) cant / Can you b) m allowed to / Are you able
7. ________ fix my computer? _______ use it soon? a) Have you been able to / Will I be able to b) Has you been able
to / Am I able to
1BAT 6

MODAL VERBS
3.- Complete the sentences with can, cant, could or couldnt.
1. Where are my glasses? I __________ find them anywhere.
2. Omar is great at languages. He _______ speak English and French when he was seven.
3. _________ you hear me at the back of the room? Yes, we can.
4. I love it when my parents go out. I _________ play my music really loudly.
5. My sister __________ sing very well but shes going to have lessons next year.
6. I _________ run 10 km when I was younger, but I can now.
7. Owls __________ see very well at night.

4.- Choose the correct alternative.

1. I can/cant come to the party tonight. See you there!
2. Could / Couldnt you open the window, please? Its very hot in here.
3. Jaguars can / cant run faster than chimpanzees.
4. I cant swim. Ill be able to/ wont be able to go in the water.
5. Sarahs got long legs so shes always been able to / been allowed to run fast.
6. He could/couldnt understand the homework because he hadnt been concentrating in class.
7. They are 21 so theyll be able to / wont be able to hire a car.

5. Complete the sentences with the correct form of be (not) allowed to.
1. ______ you __________ come to the disco on Saturday night?
2. I _____________ stay out late but only at the weekends.
3. That sign says No smoking. You _______________ smoke in here.
4. My brother _____________ watch the film last night because it was on too late.
5. ________ they ____________ wear jewellery to school? No, they arent.
6. When we were younger, we ____________ go to bed late on Friday nights.
7. In Britain you _____________________ drive a car whilst holding a mobile phone.

7.- Rewrite the sentences. Use be (not) allowed to.

1. You cant take photographs in the Reina Sofa museum.
2. My sister cant go to night clubs.
3. You can park here after 6.00 p.m.
4. In some parks you cant walk on the grass.
5. I can borrow my parents car whenever I like.
6. The students can use dictionaries in the English exam.
7. In New York people cant smoke in public places.

8.- Rewrite each sentence with can, cant, will be able to or wont be able to and a verb.
1. Its impossible for me to go to your house now. I ____________ to your house now.
2. This exercise is too difficult for Tony. Tony ______________ this exercise.
3. Sheila is really good at singing. Sheila ____________ very well.
4. It will be too expensive to travel to space for our holidays in the future. We _____________ in space for our
holidays in the future because itll be too expensive.
5. Your teacher isnt able to be here today. Your teacher __________ here today.
6. It will be possible for us to speak to computers by 2015. We _______________ to computers by 2015.
7. It will be easy for me to pass the test next month. I ________________ the test next month.
8. She doesnt know how to make bread. She ____________ bread.

9.- How do you ask for permission in each situation? Write sentences.
1. You need to do your maths homework but you havent got a calculator. You see a man at the table next to
you who has got one.
2. You want to send an email but your computer isnt working. Your best friends father has a computer and a
modem.
3. You want to go to an all-night party at your friends house, but your parents might not be very happy.
4. You are at a friends house having dinner. You have finished and you are still hungry.
5. The classroom is very hot. All the windows are closed.
6. You are doing a test, but suddenly you feel ill.
7. You want your brother to lend you his bike, but he doesnt usually let you.
8. You want to make an appointment to see the dentist. You are speaking to the dentists secretary.
1BAT 7

MODAL VERBS
COULD AND WAS ABLE
I could play tennis when I was twelve years old. (I knew how to)
I was able to play tennis yesterday afternoon. (because it wasnt raining)
Mary could swim at the age of six. (She knew how to)
Mary was able to swim last week. (because the pool was open)

In the above examples, could is used to express knowledge or ability in the past; was/were able to indicates that
an objective was attained. (Was/were able to may replace could).

Could is frequently used with verbs of perception (and certain other verbs).
I could imagine what she was thinking.
She could see that he wasnt interested.
We could understand his attitude.
They could hear the music clearly.
I could taste the vinegar on the salad.
Everybody could smell the burning meat.

Could in the past may also indicate permission

Mary said I could take her to the cinema.
I could go out whenever I wanted.

1.- To practise and contrast could and was able, answer the following in the affirmative:
Peter understood the question, didnt he? Yes, he could understand the question.
David finished the book in an hour, didnt he? Yes, he was able to finish it in an hour.
Jim knew how to ride a horse when he was ten, didnt he? Yes, he could ride a horse at the age of ten.
1. Jim smelt the toast burning, didnt he?
2. Henry took the exam last year, didnt he?
3. Sally tasted the onion in the soup, didnt she?
4. Mary had the afternoon off yesterday, didnt she?
5. Richard picked Helen up at the station, didnt he?
6. Mary did her homework in under an hour, didnt she?
7. Susan bought the coat before meeting John, didnt she?
8. David heard Sally in spite of the bad line, didnt he?
9. You understood some English before coming here, didnt you?
10. Alan watched his favourite TV show before 4 p.m., didnt she?

COULDNT
Could Mary go out last night?
No, Mary couldnt go out. (because her mother wanted her to stay in)
Could John go out last night?
No, John couldnt go out. (because it was raining and he had no raincoat)

In the above examples, Mary did not have permission to go out, while John was prevented from going out by his
not having a raincoat to keep off the rain.

2.- To practise couldnt, respond as shown:

Peter wanted to have the day off. (manager wanted him) - Peter couldnt have the day off, because his
manager wanted him at the office.
Gordon wanted to buy the record. (not in stock) Gordon couldnt buy the record because it wasnt in stock.
1. Paul wanted to go to bed. (early)
2. Gordon wanted to have a swim. (cold)
3. Susan wanted to play tennis. (locked)
4. I wanted to have some ice-cream. (Jane)
5. I wanted to buy a newspaper. (sold out)
6. Bill wanted to buy the picture. (expensive)
1BAT 8

MODAL VERBS
3.- Complete each sentence with could, couldnt, was(nt) able to or were(nt) able to. If there is more than
one possibility, use the verb that you think is more common.
1. When I was a boy I ____________________ play tennis very well. I always won.
2. He had enough money in his pocket, so he _________________ buy the magazine he wanted.
3. My sister _______________________ go to the shops this morning because she didnt have enough time.
4. Last night Mike _____________ use his parents car because they didnt need it.
5. The prisoners ______________ escape because there were too many guards.
6. She pushed the door hard and ________________ open it.
7. They __________________ dance brilliantly because theyd started to learn when they were very young.
8. Bill Jones _________________ win the race yesterday because he fell 60 metres from the finishing line.
9. The director wasnt there, but I ______________ speak to his secretary.
10. They had some food in the fridge, so they _______________ make themselves a meal.

4.- Read the following examples and compare the uses of could and was/were able to:
Mr Brautigan doesnt play football very often, but when he was younger he could play very well.
Three years ago Paul could not swim, but now he can swim very well.
Could you see the sea from your hotel window? Yes, we could see the sea and the fishing boats.
Could you deliver the chairs to our house? Yes, sir, we could deliver them tomorrow.
Why was the thief able to steal Peters car? He was able to steal it because it wasnt locked.
Was Nil able to reach the North Pole? No, he wasnt able to reach it. / No, he couldnt reach it.

5.- Complete each sentence with could or was/were able to, as in the examples:
Could you bring them tomorrow?
In the end they were able to reach the top of the mountain.
1. I _____________ swim very well when I was younger.
2. He ____________ swim across the river but it was very difficult.
3. I ______________ swim across the river, if I tried.
4. In the end we _______________ speak to him.
5. We ____________ see the sea from our window.
6. ______________ my sister come with us?
7. It was late but she __________________ type the letters before she left.
8. I didnt recognise him at first but then I ____________ remember his name.
9. She _______________ help us, if we went to her house.
10. We hurried so we _______________ catch the train.
11. I didnt speak to him as he ___________ understand very little English.
12. He won a lot of money on the pools so he ______________ travel to Japan.
1BAT 9

MODAL VERBS
OBLIGATION AND NECESSITY
MUST, HAVE TO, NEED, SHOULD, OUGHT TO
We use must (or have to) for obligation.
All students must show their identity card.
I must finish this essay by Monday.

We use neednt (or dont have to) when there is no obligation.

You neednt come if you dont want to.
You neednt get here before eleven oclock.
We dont have to wear a school uniform.

The modal verb need is only used in the negative and interrogative. In the affirmative, we use need to to
express necessity.
The government needs to find a solution to violence in schools.
You need to work harder if you want to pass your exams.

We use ought to, should and shouldnt to give advice and make recommendations.
Schools ought to prepare students better for the real world.
They should stop selling guns in the USA.
You shouldnt worry so much about your marks.

REMEMBER!
The meanings of have to and must are similar in the affirmative, but completely different in the negative.
We use dont have to when there is no obligation, and mustnt when there is a strong prohibition.
You have to come to the party! = You must come to the party!
You dont have to come to the party if you dont want to. = You neednt come to the party.
You mustnt come to the party: Your ex-boyfriend will be there!

1.-Find pairs of sentences with the same meaning. Then match each pair to the correct function.

a ___ You oughtnt to go to the meeting. 1.- You dont have to go to the meeting.
b ___ You must go to the meeting. 2.- Do not go to the meeting.
c ___ You neednt go to the meeting. 3.- You have to go to the meeting.
d ___ You should go to the meeting. 4.- You shouldnt go to the meeting.
e ___ You mustnt go to the meeting. 5.- You ought to go to the meeting.

1. Prohibition _______
2. Obligation _______
3. Absence of obligation ______
4. Advice to do something ______
5. Advice not to do something ______

2.- Choose the most appropriate verb in each sentence.

1. You look a bit tired. You must/should go to bed.
2. You must/should stop smoking or youll die.
3. Personally I dont think smoking must/should be allowed in restaurants.
4. To be a professional athlete you must/should be very fit.
5. When you have a headache you must/should take an aspirin.
6. You must/should be eighteen before you can vote in a general election in Britain.
7. You must/should study biology to be a doctor.
8. If you are bored you must/should read a book.
1BAT 10

MODAL VERBS
3.- Write complete sentences about these sports,
using have to, mustnt or dont have to. 7.- Read the dialogues. Choose the correct modal
football/touch the ball with your hands - In football verbs.
you mustnt touch the ball with your hands. 1. I usually watch TV until two oclock in the
1. tennis / hit the ball before it bounces. morning - You have to/ought to switch it off
2. chess / distract your opponent. earlier.
3. basketball / stay in your opponents area for 2. Theres not enough rock music on television
more than five seconds. You should/have to watch MTV.
4. American football / wear protective clothes. 3. This channel only shows old films. I know.
5. boxing / hit your opponent if he is on the They have to /ought to show some new
floor. ones.
6. golf / hit the ball fast. 4. Have you got time to watch the football
7. polo / be able to ride a horse very well. match this evening? Yes. We
mustnt/dont have to do any homework for
4.- Write complete sentences. tomorrow.
you / stop eating cakes (obligation) You must stop 5. Horror films give me nightmares. I think
eating cakes. you shouldnt/mustnt watch them before you
1. we / get home late (prohibition) go to bed.
2. Andy / go for a walk (advice)
3. You / wait for me (no obligation) 8.- Complete the sentences. Use mustnt or dont
4. the children / open the presents (prohibition) have to / doesnt have to.
5. I / do this exercise today (absence of 1. You _________________ sit too close to the
obligation) screen.
6. we / catch a bus (obligation) 2. You _________________ watch this
7. Jenny / wash the dishes (advice) programme if you dont want to.
8. you / cry (advice not to do something) 3. We __________________ stay in tonight to
see the programme because it will be
5.- Choose the correct modal verbs. repeated next Sunday.
1. Im very tired. I think we must/should switch 4. You __________________ touch the cable
off the TV now. or youll get an electric shock.
2. You have to / ought to do your homework 5. Children under sixteen years old
before tomorrow, in my opinion. ______________ watch violent films.
3. I think you should / have to buy a more 6. Nick always watches new films at the cinema
modern television. so he ____________ wait for them to be on
4. The children must / should be in bed but they video.
are still watching cartoons. 7. British TV companies ________________
5. You mustnt / ought not to touch anything show adult films before half past nine.
inside the TV while its switched on. 8. We ______________ record the film for Andy
because hes already seen it.
6.- Complete the sentences with the modal verbs
from the box. 9.- Rewrite the sentences using modal verbs.
have to mustnt ought to should shouldnt Do not touch the components inside. You mustnt
1. There _______________ be more touch the components inside.
educational programmes on TV. 1. Its necessary to check that the television is
2. You _________________ watch TV all day. switched off. You _____
Do something more interesting. 2. Its unnecessary to disconnect the DVD at
3. You _________________ have special night. You _____
equipment if you want to see satellite 3. Its not a good idea to watch TV for a long
channels. time without a break. You ___________
4. You __________________ forget to record 4. It is prohibited to watch TV while you are
Buffy the Vampire Slayer for me. Its the best driving a car. You ________
programme on TV! 5. Its necessary to buy a TV licence in some
5. I love adverts! I think there _____________ countries. You _______
be more of them on TV.
1BAT 11

MODAL VERBS
10.- Complete the sentences with the verbs in the 11.- Rewrite the sentences using the correct
list. modal verb.
has to go must obey mustnt panic neednt It wasnt necessary for us to pay. We didnt have to
leave ought to do should brush shouldnt smoke pay.
will have to be 1. I advise you to see a doctor. You
A soldier must obey orders. _____________ see a doctor.
1. You _________________ about your exams. 2. Taking photos in the museum is prohibited.
2. Joe _________________ until later. You _________ take photos in the museum.
3. Tim _________________ here on time. 3. I feel obliged to phone Kathy: its her
4. You _________________ your teeth more birthday.- I ________ phone Kathy: its her
often. birthday.
5. She _________________ to a meeting. 4. Its obligatory to wear a seatbelt in a car.
6. Rob _________________ more exercise. You ___________ wear a seatbelt in a car.
7. You _________________ - its bad for you. 5. Have a holiday: thats my advice. You
_________ have a holiday.
6. There was an obligation to do the exam.
We ___________ do the exam.

12.- Is there a difference between the sentences in these pairs? If so, explain the difference.
1. a) I have to go. b) I must go.
2. a) You mustnt smoke here. b) You dont have to smoke here.
3. a) You ought to buy a new coat. b) You should buy a new coat.
4. a) We neednt go to bed early tonight. b) We dont need to go to bed early tonight.
5. a) They mustnt show violent films on TV.b)They shouldnt show violent films on TV.
6. a) You neednt take an umbrella.b) You dont have to take an umbrella.

13.- Look at this advice for a person suffering from stress. Choose the correct modal form in each
sentence.
1. You ought to / shouldnt drink lots of coffee.
2. You should / shouldnt keep your feelings inside.
3. You ought to / shouldnt learn to relax.
4. You should / shouldnt get some physical exercise.
5. You should/ shouldnt spend all day working.
6. You ought to / shouldnt talk to your friends.

14.- Look at these ideas on how to pass English exams. Complete each sentence with must, mustnt, dont
have to or doesnt have to.
TOP EXAM TIPS!
1. You ___________ read the questions carefully.
2. You ____________ understand every word in a reading text.
3. You _____________ use a dictionary because they arent permitted.
4. If the question says in your own words, you _________ copy from the text.
5. If there are two options for the composition, you ________ answer them both. If you do, you wont have
enough time to finish the exam!
6. When you finish answering the questions, you __________ spend time checking your answers.
7. You __________ copy from another student, of course!

15.-Complete the sentences using the information in brackets and ought (not) to, should(nt) or neednt:
1. You (work so hard)___________________________________, Helen, because Im sure youll be fine in
your English test.
2. Tell Pete he (stay out late) ____________________________, and he (be quieter)
____________________ when he gets in, or all his flatmates will complain.
3. Dont worry, Karen, you (do the washing up) ___________________ because its Jamies turn to do it.
4. You (feed the cat) ______________________ while Im away, because Ive asked Katie next door to do it.
5. Sarah (spend so much) ___________________ money on going out she wont have any left to pay the
bills!
6. You (come to my party) ____________________________ if you dont want to. I wont be upset.
1BAT 12

MODAL VERBS
16.- Complete the sentences. Use mustnt, dont have to / doesnt have to, shouldnt or ought to.
1. You _____________ bring an umbrella. It isnt raining.
2. Rachel _____________ forget to water the plants while her parents are on holiday.
3. We _____________ go to school tomorrow. Its a national holiday.
4. I really think you ___________ see a doctor. You dont look well.
5. You ________________ ride a motorbike without wearing a helmet.
6. What is he doing here ; __________________ he be in class?
7. Okay, have you got your plane ticket? And you __________ forget your passport this time!
8. They ____________ meet us at the airport. Were going to get a taxi into town.
9. You _______________ talk during the exam.
10. Pete _______________ come to rehearsals tonight, because he already knows his part of the play.

17.- Rewrite each sentence using a modal verb.

1. Its not necessary to go to school on Sunday. You _________
2. It is obligatory for all drivers to have a driving licence. All drivers ____________
3. It is a good idea for Peter to learn Spanish. Peter _________________
4. It is not obligatory for students to go on the school trip. Students _____________
5. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in this compartment. Passengers ____________
6. It is recommended to book in advance. You ____________
7. It is essential to have a visa to travel to India. You _____________

18.- Is it compulsory?
Complete the sentences with have to / dont have to / mustnt so that they are true for your country.
1. You ______________ have a licence if you own a dog.
2. You ______________ get married in a church.
3. You _______________ be married to be able to adopt children.
4. You _______________ drive through a red traffic light.
5. You _______________ stay at school until you are 16.
6. You _______________ vote in a general election.
7. You _______________ drive if youve had more than two alcoholic drinks.
8. You _______________ pay for your school books.
9. You _______________ ride a motorbike on the pavement.
10. You _______________ pay on motorways.
11. You _______________ be 18 to vote in a general election.
12. You _______________ wear a seatbelt if you are in the back seat of a car.
13. You _______________ do military service.
14. You _______________ smoke in a petrol station.
15. You _______________ have a medical check-up every year.

19.- Compare with a partner. Do you think that any of these laws should change? Use should, e.g. I think
people should be able to vote when theyre 16.
1BAT 13

MODAL VERBS
POSSIBILITY AND DEDUCTION
MAY, MIGHT, CAN, COULD, MUST
We use may, might and could to imply present or future possibility.
They may begin acting like criminals.
Metal detectors might be installed in schools.
They could be on the train.

We use cant when we believe or guess that something is impossible.

That cant be true.
It cant be easy to be a student in the USA.

We use must and cant when we make a logical deduction.

That must be your mother she said shed phone.
It must be quite late, because its getting dark.
Julia cant be feeling well because she hasnt come to the party.

Im certain.. It must be (I think) its possible, It might be

Im almost certain but unlikely
(I think) its possible It could be (I think) its nearly It cant be
It may be impossible.
(I think) its impossible

1.- Whats that in the sky? Is it from outer space? (Impossible) It cant be from outer space.
1. Is this table Victorian? (possible)
2. Whos that? I think its Prince Charles! (possible, but unlikely)
3. Hes got a private plane. Is he very rich? (almost certain)
4. That woman says shes 130 years old. (almost impossible)

2.- A spy has bugged this hotel room (Hes hidden a small microphone somewhere).
Where do you think it is?
It could be under the bed. / It might even be under the pillow.
Write sentences with could, may and might.

3.- Exercise.
Mr J.Smith. What do you think his first name might be? It could be John. It could be James. It could be Joseph.
It might be Julius!
1. Miss M. Brown 4. Mr B. Evans
2. Mr R. Green 5. Mr S. Williams
3. Mrs J. Roberts

4.- The police are looking for a murderer. They know a

thin man of average height, in his 30s with short hair,
a moustache and glasses. These are the six suspects
in a police identity parade.
It cant be Chapman, because he hasnt got a moustache.
Write four sentences with cant and one with must.
1BAT 14

MODAL VERBS
5.- Read the statements and make a comment, using must.
My grandmother can remember the first car in our town. She must be very old.
1. My sister won the Miss World beauty 9. Our dog bites every visitor to the home.
contest last year. 10. My father-in-law hasnt washed for five years.
2. My father has got a Rolls-Royce and a 11. My nephew weighs 100 kilos.
Ferrari. 12. My nieces are both champion gymnasts.
3. My brothers only twelve, but hes going to 13. Our house has got five bedrooms.
university next year. 14. My paintings have been exhibited in a
4. My uncles in prison. gallery.
5. My mother goes to church twice a day. 15. Three cars have crashed on that bend this
6. My cousin jumped off the Empire State year.
Building. 16. My brother-in law runs for 10 km every
7. My grandfather thinks hes Napoleon. morning.
8. My aunts a professional wrestler.

6.- Read this dialogue between Sue and Gary. Then choose the correct verb in each sentence.
Gary: Are you going out this weekend?
Sue: Yes. 1. Sue will/may go out this weekend.
Gary: Do you think youll eat out? 2. Sue will/might go to a restaurant.
3. Sue probably wont /might not do sport this
Sue: Possibly.
weekend.
Gary: Will you do any sport? 4. Sue may/wont see a film this weekend.
Sue: Im not sure, but perhaps not. 5. Sue will/might stay home on Sunday.
Gary: Do you think youll go to see a film? 6. Sue wont/may not have any homework this
Sue: Definitely not. weekend.
Gary: And will you be at home on Sunday evening?
Sue: Perhaps.
Gary: Have you got any homework to do this
weekend?
Sue: Good question! I cant remember.

7.- Rewrite the sentences. Include the words in brackets.

Its possible that it will rain later. (might) It might rain later.
1. Perhaps well go to a football match at the weekend. (may)
2. Its possible that Jake is in his bedroom. (could)
3. Perhaps you wont enjoy the film. (might)
4. Its possible that the money is yours. (could)
5. Perhaps I wont take a gap year after finishing school. (may)
6. Its possible Ill have to work all night to finish my essay. (might)

8.- Choose the correct form of the verb.

Wheres your teacher? She could/can be in the staffroom.
1. It can/could rain in England during the summer.
2. Look at those clouds. It can/could rain later.
3. James isnt answering the phone. He can/could be out.
4. Chimpanzees can/could communicate with humans.
5. Wheres Bruno from? Im not sure. He can/could be French.
6. My younger brother can/could be really annoying.

9.- Match sentences 1-7 with deductions a-g

1..- I saw Anne holding Peters hand. 6.- Its snowing and you havent got a coat.
2.- I can hear loud music from Georges room. 7.- Whose are those trainers?
3,. Theyre going to the Avril Lavigne concert tonight.
4.- There arent any lights on in the house. a.- There cant be anyone in
5.- Have you seen all those cameras in the centre of b.- They cant be mine because theyre too small.
town? c.- They must be going out with each other.
1BAT 15

MODAL VERBS
d.- You must be freezing! f.- He cant be asleep.
e.- They must really like her. g.- They must be making a film.

10.- Complete the sentences with must or cant. 11.- Choose the correct verb in each sentence.
Ive been up all night studying You must be 1. This must/might/can be Micks file its got
exhausted. his name on it.
1. Look! Theres Mary. Lets go and say hello. 2. We can/might/must go to the beach were
It __________ be Mary. Shes working in not sure.
Spain this week. 3. I could / can / may buy a motorbike if I
2. My grandparents ___________ know each wanted to.
other very well. Theyve been married for 60 4. He never lies so he cant / can / must be
years! telling the truth.
3. Did you know that Edward is Patricias 5. That woman cant / mustnt / may be the
brother? They ________ be brother and head teacher shes too young.
sister! They dont look alike. 6. I may / mustnt / couldnt phone you tonight if
4. You ___________ be hungry! Youve just had I have time.
an enormous pizza. 7. The phones ringing. Who may / must / can it
5. Dad _________ be home. His cars outside. be?
6. Its very dark. It _________ be late.

12.- Rewrite the sentences using the modal verbs.

Its possible that Ill arrive home late. (may) I may arrive home late.
1. Im sure that New York is an exciting city. (must) New York .
2. I dont know if Ill go to the concert. (may) I
3. Im certain that studying and working at the same time isnt easy. (cant). Studying and working at the same
time
4. Indian food has a strong taste perhaps you wont like it. (might) Indian food has a strong taste you.
5. Im sure youre not serious. (cant). You .
6. Im sure people from some countries find our traditions strange. (must) People from some countries.

13.- Complete this dialogue with must or cant.

Fiona: Look! Theres Jack.
Alison: It ________ be Jack. Jacks gone to Paris for the week.
Fiona: Well, it __________ be him because his two sons are with him.
Alison: Oh yes, youre right. His trip to Paris ________ be this week, it _______ be next week.
Fiona: Yes, he _______ be working if hes with his children.

14.- Make deductions about these situations, using must or cant.

Hes got holes in his shoes. They must be very old.
1. Charles has got thousands of books. ___________________________________reading.
2. He always looks tired. ________________________________sleep much.
3. Helen goes out every night. _____________________________ lots of friends.
4. The Smiths have got four cars. _______________________ very rich.
5. She lived in France until she was fifteen. ________________________French well.
6. Daniel hates anything to do with numbers. _______________________ maths.
7. My neighbour is an expert cardiologist. _____________________________ good hospital.

15.- Match each sentence to the correct continuation.

1.- Its very cold. a.- You could have an accident.
2.- Theres somebody at the door. b.- He mightnt finish the race.
3.- Dont speak too fast. c.- We might be late for the party.
4.- Dont drive too fast. d.- It may be the postman.
5.- Hes not very fit. e.- They may not understand you.
6.- That CD is really popular. f.- I think it might snow.
7.- We need to hurry. g.- I think it might be Number One next week.
1BAT 16

MODAL VERBS
16.- Complete each sentence, using may (not),
might (not) or could. Use each form at least once. 18.- Rewrite each sentence using a modal verb.
1. Its really cloudy. It ______________ (rain). 1. It is possible that John is studying now.
2. Somebody is at the door. It 2. Perhaps well go to Egypt for our holidays.
__________________ (be) your boyfriend. 3. Perhaps Robert wont play in the match.
3. Dont tell Valerie we went to the party without 4. Helen doesnt know whether to stay at home
her. She ___________ (be) very happy. or go out.
4. The other team are very good. We 5. Im not sure if Bob needs a visa.
______________ (win). 6. It is possible that Alex wont come to the
5. That man is driving very carelessly. He party.
_______________ (have) an accident.
6. Dont forget to take warm clothes. The 19.- Use this information to make speculations
weather _____________ (be) very good. about each person.
7. Im hungry. I _____________ (make) a pizza Our teachers name is Friedrich. > He might be
for dinner. German.
8. They dont like the train much. They 1. Sue is very fit.
_________________ (go) by coach. 2. Gary never goes out.
17.- Rewrite each sentence using the modal verb 3. Hannah spends a lot of time in the kitchen.
in brackets. 4. Frank often wears a suit.
Theres a possibility that people will misuse this 5. Brian is learning sign language.
information (might) > People might misuse this 6. Tanya never travels by plane.
information. 7. Fiona likes working with people.
1. There is a danger that the engine wont work. 8. Anne travels to lots of different countries.
(may not)
2. You have a chance of passing the exam. 20.- Complete these sentences with your own
(might) speculations about the future.
3. Its possible that Keith will arrive tonight. 1. I may ______________ next month.
(could) 2. I might not __________ this term.
4. Its not certain that Im going to the party. 3. I might _____________ next summer.
(might not) 4. I may ______ when I leave school.
5. Rachel hasnt decided whether to buy a bike. 5. My best friend could ______
(may). 6. Someone in my family may _________
6. We dont know if Alan eats meat. (may not) Now work in pairs. Discuss your answers.
7. Theres a chance that Hank is American.
(could)

21.- Write sentences making deductions about these situations, using cant or must + the infinitive. Use the
prompts in brackets in the deduction.
EXAMPLE: Your teacher tells you you are going to have an exam next week but you dont believe it because you had an exam
last week. (You/serious) You cant be serious.
1. A friends brother lives in Canada. You know that his brother is coming over from Canada around now. You see
someone in a restaurant who looks just like your friend. (It/brother)
2. You are driving to a village about 70 kilometres away. You have already driven nearly 70 kilometres and you are
expecting to see the village very soon. (It/far)
3. A student in the class always wears very expensive clothes and lives in an expensive part of town. (She/money)
4. A student in the class always says, we did this and we did that when he talks about what he did at the weekend. He
also wears a wedding ring. (He/married)
5. A friend introduces you to a girl called Daniella. She has dark hair, dark eyes and speaks with a strong accent.
(She/Italian)
6. Your sister shows you a pair of jeans she has just bought. She says that they are designer jeans, but the material is
very poor quality and the zip breaks the first time she wears them. (They/designer jeans).
7. A colleague told you she was very ill and couldnt come into work this week but you see her in town shopping. (She/ill)
8. Your boss tells you you have to work until 10 oclock every night this week and all day Saturday. You have just worked
very hard for five weeks and this week was supposed to be quite easy. (He/joking)
9. Your friend tells you that her Russian is fluent. However, when she meets a Russian tourist, she doesnt say anything
and looks very embarrassed. (Her/fluent)
10. You are very hungry and eat a large bowl of pasta, four chocolate biscuits and a large piece of bread very quickly. Later
your stomach hurts. (I/indigestion)