Transcript Descargar archivo - Saint George´s College English 11

Modal Verbs
General abilities: can and
could.
Some abilities are general: you have the skill to do
it at any time you like.
O I can play the accordion.
O I could play the violin when I was a child.
O Remember: modal verbs don't need an 's' for
he/she/it, and always have an infinitive verb
(without 'to') after them.
O He cans play the piano. X
O He can play the piano. ✓
O They can to make delicious cakes. X
O They can make delicious cakes. ✓
General Abilities
Present
Past
I can speak three languages.
I could speak some German
when I was 15.
I can’t speak Arabic.
I couldn’t speak any Spanish
when I was 15.
Can you speak any
languages?
Could you speak French when
I was 15?
General Abilities
Note: if you want to talk about abilities in the
future, or use other tenses, you need to use be
able to.
O I will be able to speak perfect French one
day.
O I have been able to swim since I was a child.
Specific abilities in the past
O Not all abilities are general. Some abilities
happen only once (or a certain number of times)
in a particular situation. In positive sentences,
we only use was able to.
I was very tired but I could stay awake all night. X
I was very tired but I was able to stay awake all
night. ✓
O If the sentence is negative, we use could or was
able to.
I couldn't hear him because of the music. ✓
I wasn't able to hear him because of the music. ✓
MUST, HAVE TO AND CAN
Vampires must drink blood, not water.
Vampires don't have to kill people - they can
just drink a little blood if they prefer.
Vampires mustn't go out in the day or the sun
will kill them!
OBLIGATION
It’s necessary.
You must do it.
You have to do it.
It’s your choice.
You can do it.
It’s not necessary.
You don’t have to do it.
Don’t do it!
You mustn’t do it.
QUESTIONS
Is it necessary?
Do I have to do it?
Is it allowed?
Can I do it?
Mustn’t or Don’t have to
O The meaning for these is completely
different. Mustn't means it is very wrong, or
it is a very bad idea. Don't have to means
that you don't need to do something (if you
don't want to). For example:
You mustn't eat this - it's poisonous.
You don't have to eat this if you don't like it.
Must or have to?
O Often we use these words to mean the same thing.
However, you can use must to show that you think it
is necessary, and have to to show that another
person thinks it's necessary.
I must do some homework tonight. (I think it's important
to do it)
I have to do some homework tonight. (my teacher /
parents told me to do it)
O If you want to use any other tense, we always use
have to.
One day I 'll have to learn to drive.
I 've never had to work very hard.
MODAL
May
Might
EXAMPLE
USES
May I have another cup Asking for permission.
of coffee?
China may become a
major economic power.
Future possibility.
We’d better phone
tomorrow, they might
be eating their dinner
now.
Present possibility.
They might give us 10% Future possibility.
discount
MODAL
EXAMPLE
USES
Ought to
We ought to employ a
professional writer.
Saying what’s right or correct.
Should
We should sort out this
problem at once.
I think we should check
everything again.
Profits should increase next
year.
Saying what’s right or correct.
Shall I ehlp you with your
luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then?
Shall I do that or will you?
Offer
Shall
Recommending action.
Uncertain prediction.
Suggestion
Asking what to do