This document summarizes different English modal verbs including can, could, should, may, have to, must, might, and examples of their uses. It discusses how can and could express ability or permission, should expresses advice or obligation, may expresses permission or possibility, have to expresses obligation, must expresses certainty or obligation, could expresses past ability, might expresses possibility, and provides example sentences for each modal verb. It then provides an exercise for readers to practice using some of these modal verbs.

1. Modals
By: Paloma Tortosa Ferrando

2. Tipes of Modals
• Can and could:
Can and could:
Examples: Meaning:
I can speak Japanese. *present tense, is able to
When she was young she could swim for hours. *past tense, was able to
Can/Could you carry the bag, please? *polite request
Can/Could I get you a drink? *offer
It could be broken. *possibility
We could walk instead of drive. *suggestion

3. Should:
Use : Examples:
Advice: You should drive carffully in bad
weather
Obligation:You should switch off the light when you leave the room

4. Examples with May:
You may ask three questions
We may stay here for the night
I may visit Susan on Monday.
The road may be blocked.
That may be a good idea.
Carol may go when she finishes

5. Some examples with have to:
• We have to know daily what the
prices are.
• I have to attend a meeting.
• You don't have to tell Lisa.
• I have to study for the exam

6. Examples with must:
• He must have a lot of money
• She must be at home.
• You must follow the rules.
• They must pay attention.
• Must you go to school today?
• Must we visit your parents?
• We must not spend the money

7. Examples with could:
• I could swim when I was five.
• Could you open the window?
• I couldn’t talk louder.
• I could talk louder
• I could go back and bring Kate with
me

8. Examples with might:
• They might be waiting for us at the station.
• This might be our only chance
• I might lose my job.
• Harry might write soon.
• You might find a solution
• We might be going the wrong way
• I might call you tomorrow

9. .In the next page we are going to practice
some exercise with:
.Could, have to, must, might, should.

10. Some exercise…
Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below,
1.Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He---------- be
exhausted after such a long flight. He------------- prefer to stay in
tonight and get some rest.
2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you-----
------- walk downtown and explore the waterfront.
3. Hiking the trail to the peak-------------- be dangerous if you are not
well prepared for dramatic weather changes. You------------- research
the route a little more before you attempt the ascent.
4. When you have a small child in the house, you------------- leave small
objects lying around. Such objects------------ be swallowed, causing
serious injury or even death.
5.Dave: ------------you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Nathan: No, I can't.
6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It------------- have cost a
fortune.

11. Put in 'mustn't' or 'don't / doesn't have
to':
• We have a lot of work tomorrow. You----
---- be late
• You--------- tell anyone what I just told
you. It's a secret
• The museum is free. You---------pay to
get in
• Children-------- tell lies. It's very
naughty.

12. The end.