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Modal verbs - Coggle Diagram
Modal verbs
Ability and possibility
- can/ be able to
to say that it is possible to do something or that somebody/something has an ability to do something
We use
can/can't
with verbs of senses and some verbs of thinking to describe an action happening now. We use can also for something that is generally possible.
I can't believe this computer is so slow
.
It can be really cold in New York in January
We use
be able to
when something is surprising or requires some effort
Some animals aren't able to sleep standing up
If something si very difficult, in the past form we can use
managed to
with expressions like
in the end, eventually, finally
We use a modal verb to show that
an action is possible, necessary or certain
, to
ask permission
or to
give advice
can, could, may, might, should, must, would, will, shall
Making a guess
When we are completely certain about something, we don't use modal verbs, but sometimes we make a guess. If we're certain our guess is correct, we use
must or can't
It must be the battery
.
It can be that.
If we are less certain that our guess is correct we use
may (not), might (not) or could
It might be the memory card
If we make a guess about the future, we use
may (not), might (not) or could
If we're certain that our guess is correct, we use
must, can't or couldn't + have + past participle
Lester couldn't have been driving a car, he doesn't even own a car!
If we aren't certain, we use
may (not), might (not) or could + have + past participle
I may have left my keys in the car.
When we expect something to be true we use
should or shouldn't
Harry should be in the office by now.