Modal verbs 4 ESO Macmillan

MODAL VERBS

Start

TYPES OF MODAL VERBS

1. Modals of ability and permission

2. Modals of obligation

3. Modals of lack of obligation (NO obligation)

4. Modals of prohibition

5. Modals of advice

MODALS OF ABILITY and permission

EXAMPLES

• Nowadays, I can play the guitar.
• I could play the piano when I was 7 years old.
• We can't go to the party tonight.

Present

CAN / CAN'T

COULD / COULDN'T

Past

MODALS OF OBLIGATION

HAVE TO / HAS TO

Present

MUST

EXAMPLES

You must bring your books to class.The kid has to wash his hands before eating.

MODALS OF OBLIGATION

Past

HAD TO

EXAMPLES

You had to do your homework at home.She had to clean her room yesterday.

MODALS OF No obligation

EXAMPLES

DON'T HAVE TO / DOESN'T HAVE TO

• You don't have to wear a uniform in the school.
• They don't have to work tomorrow.
• Nadia didn't have to go to the office on Monday.

Present

Past

DIDN'T HAVE TO

MODALS OF PROHIBITION

Present

MUSTN'T

EXAMPLES

You mustn't smoke in the hospital.You mustn't speak loud in the library.

MODALS OF ADVICE

EXAMPLES

• If you feel ill, you should go to the doctor.
• You shouldn't eat a lot of fast food.

SHOULD / SHOULDN'T

Present

EXAMPLES

• You should have prepared better for the presentation.
• They should have paid more attention.

SHOULD / SHOULDN'T HAVE + Past Participle

Past

PAST OF MODAL VERBS

THE PAST OF MODAL VERBS IS FORMED IN TWO WAYS:

MODAL VERB + have + verb past participle (-ED / 3RD COLUMN)

PAST MODAL VERB + INFINITIVE WITHOUT "TO"

She couldn't go to the cinema - she had no money!

You could have asked the doctor before taking that medicine.