MODAL VERBS chart
1st Batxillerat
Modal verbs chart 1 de 1
MODAL VERB
EXAMPLES
USE
CAN / CAN’T
He can find any street in London.
Ability
BE ABLE TO
He is able to find any street in London.
COULD (past) /
COULDN’T
I could play tennis when I was younger.
MUST
Look at the snow. It must be cold outside.
Certainty that
something is
true.
CAN’T
He can’t be John. He told me he was on
holiday.
Certainty that
something is
false.
MUST
You must be back at 10 o’clock.
Obligation
HAVE TO
(3rd person singular:
HAS TO)
You have to be back at 10 o’clock.
She has to be back at 10 o’clock.
NEED TO
You need to be back at 10 o’clock.
SHOULD
You should drive more carefully.
Opinion / Advice
OUGHT TO
You ought to drive more carefully.
MUSTN’T
You mustn’t drive without a license.
Prohibition
CAN’T
You can’t drive without a license.
MAY
Today it may rain.
Possibility
MIGHT
Today it might rain.
DON’T HAVE TO
(3rd person singular:
DOESN’T HAVE TO)
I don’t have to get a university degree.
Jim doesn’t have to get a university degree.
Lack of
obligation
NEEDN’T
I needn’t get a university degree.
MAY (formal)
May I come in?
Request
COULD
Could you take me to Victoria station?
CAN
Can you open the window?
CAN
You can take a taxi.
Suggestion
COULD
You could take a taxi.