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Modal verbs - Coggle Diagram
Modal verbs
Form
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They have no infinitives and no -ing forms. Other phrases are used instead.
I'd love to be able to ski.
Modal auxiliary verbs are followed by the infinitive without to. The exception is ought to.
You must go.
They usually have past forms. Instead, we use them with Perfect infinitives.
You should have told me about the party. I might have come!
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They are used before other verbs and add meanings, such as certainty, possibility, obligation, ability, and premission.
Modal verbs express our attitudes, opinions, and judgments of events.
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Obligation: should, ought to, and must
Use
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Should and ought to express mild obligation, suggestions, or advice. They express what ,in the speaker's opinion, is the right or best thing to do.We often use them with I think/don't think...
I think you should spend less
Must, like have to, expresses strong obligation. Must can express an obligation that involves the speaker's opinion.
I must get my hair cut.
Must is also associated with formal, written style.
All visitors must show proper ID.
Have to and must
There is sometimes a difference in meaning. Must usually expresses the feelings and wishes of the speaker.
I must buy my sister a birthday card
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Need to
Need to can also be used to express obligation. It is not modal verb in form however, and follows the pattern of full verbs.
She needs to work long hours at the moment
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Making requests: can, could, will, and would
Could is a little more formal; can is a little more familiar. Could I ...? and Could you...? are very useful because they can be used in many different situations.
Could I try on this jumper?
Way of responding to requests:
A Excuse me! Could you help me?
B Sure./Of course./Well, I'm afraid I'm a little busy right now.
There are many ways of making requests in English.
Can I speak to you, please?
Will you help me, please?