The document discusses the use of modal verbs to express: 1. Different levels of certainty about events from complete certainty to weak possibility. 2. Obligations and permissions, including strong and weak obligations, prohibitions, recommendations, willingness, and permission. 3. Ability using can and could.

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.