PP on modal verbs

2.  We use them to talk about things:
1. we expect:
- He may arrive any time
2. which are or not are possible:
- She could be in London or Paris or Tokyo-who
knows.
- I can’t swim.
3. which we think are necessary:
- I think you ought to see a lawyer.
4. which we want to happen:
- We really must tidy up the garden.

3. 5. which we are not sure about:
-What would you do if you had a free year?
6. which tend to happen:
-Edinburgh can be very cold in winter.
7. which have not happened:
-I think they should have consulted a doctor
earlier.
-You might have told me Mary was ill.
Note: structure in 7 only required in ISE III

4.  Degrees of certainty:
1. Complete certainty (positive or negati
ve): shall, will, must can’t.
- I shall be away tomorrow.
- I shan’t be late on Tuesday.
- It won’t rain this evening.
- That can’t be John – he’s in Dublin.
- There is the phone. That will be Tony.
- Things will be alright.
- You must be tired.
2. Probability. Deduction; saying that
something is logical or normal: should,
ought to.
- She should/ought to be here soon.
- It shouldn’t/oughtn’t to be difficult to get here.

5. 3. Possibility: talking about the chances that
something is true or will happen: may.
- The water may be warm enough to swim.
- We may be buying a new house.
4. Weak possibility: might, could.
- I might see you again.
- Things might not be as bad as they seem.
- We could all be millionaires one day.

6.  Obligation and freedom to act:
- This uses of modal verbs are very
important in…
 Polite expressions of requests
 Suggestions
 Invitations
 Instructions

7. 1. Strong obligation: must, will, need.
- Students must register in the first week of term.
- All sales staff will arrive for work by 8.40 a.m.
- Need I get a Visa for Hungary?
2. Prohibition: must not, may not, cannot.
- Students must not use the staff car park.
- Books may not be taken out of the library.
- You cannot come in here.

8. 3. Weak obligation; recommendation:
should, ought to, might, shall.
- You should try to work harder.
- She realy ought to was her hair.
- You might see what John thinks.
- What shall we do?
4. Willingness, volunteering, resolving,
insisting and offering: will, shall (in
questions).
- If you will come this way…
- I will pay for the drinks.
- I will definitely work harder next term.
- She will keep interrupting people.
- Shall I give you a hand?

9. 5. Permission: can, could, may, might.
- You may use the car if you want.
- Could I talk to you for a minute?
- May we use the phone?
- Do you think I might take a break now?
6. Ability: can, could.
- She can speak six language.
- Anyone who wants to can join the club.
- These roses can grow anywhere.
- When I was a baby I could put my foot in my
mouth.
- You could get to my old school by bus but not by
train.