This document summarizes different English modal verbs: 1) It discusses can, could, be able to, may, might, must, have to, and should - explaining their meanings and appropriate uses. 2) The modals can, could, may, might, must, have to are used to express possibilities, necessities, obligations in both present and past situations. 3) Be able to, should are used to express ability and giving advice respectively.

1. INTRODUCE
MODALS
Tina Merlina, S.S, M.Hum

2. Can
• We use can + infinitive
• For example: I can speak English.
(-) I can’t speak English.
(?) Can you speak English?

3. Could
• Sometimes could is the past of can
• I could hear something.
• We use could to say that something is possible now or in the future.
• The phone is ringing. It could be Tim.
• Could (do) could have (done)
• I’m so tired. I could sleep for a week (now)
• I was so tired. I could have slept for a week. (past)

4. (be) able to
• (be) able to… is possible instead can.
• I am able to speak any foreign language. (present)
• We use (be) able to in a particular situation
• He was able to beat him. (past)

5. May & Might
• We use may or might to say that something is possibility.
• It may be true.
• It might be true.
• We use may or might to talk about possible actions or happenings in the future.
• I may go to Ireland.
• We use only might when the situation is not real.
• If I knew them better, I might invite them to dinner.

6. Must & Have to
• You can use must to talk about the present or future, but not the past.
• We must go now.
• We must go tomorrow.
• You can use have to in all forms.
• I had to go to the hospital (past)
• Have you ever had to go to hospital? (present perfect)
• We use must or have to to say that it is necessary to do something.
• I must go
• I have to go.

7. Should
• You can use should to give advice or opinion.
• You look tired. You Should go to bed.
• Should is not as strong as must.
• You should apologies.
• You must apologies. (you have no alternative)