MODAL VERBS

MODAL

USES

EXAMPLES

CAN / CANT: saber/tener la habilidad

Ability

He can play the guitar

COULD / COULDNT

Past ability

I could run faster when I was young

MAY / MAY NOT: puede (mucha posibilidad)

Possibility (puede que)

John may come for dinner

MIGHT / MIGHT NOT: puede (menor posibilidad)

Possibility (podra)

Be careful! You might fall!

BE ABLE TO: ser capaz de (futuro de CAN)

Ability (future): will be able to

Ill be able to visit England next year

MUST: deber (obligacin moral)

Obligation

He must get permission first

MUSTNT

Prohibition

You mustnt smoke in a hospital

HAVE TO (=must): tener que . HAD TO. WILL HAVE TO

Obligation (leyes, normas)

You have to be at school at 8:20

DONT / DOESNT HAVE TO: no tener que

Lack of obligation

I dont have to revise any longer

NEEDNT(=dont/doesnt have to): no es necesario

Lack of obligation

She neednt bring anything: We have already made the shopping

SHOULD / SHOULDNT: deberas

Advice (para dar consejos)

You should work harder

EXERCISES
1. Rewrite the folloeing sentences using a modal verb which means the same as the underlined words.
1. You are obliged to have a licence before you can drive. _________________________________
2. It is a good idea to wash your hands before you eat. __________________________________
3. It is likely that they will arrive early.______________________________________________
4. Parking on the pavement is prohibited. _____________________________________________
5. It will be necessary for him to get a visa.___________________________________________
6. I knew how to play chess, but I didnt want to._______________________________________
7. It is advisable to wear warm clothes in the winter.____________________________________
8. It wasnt necessary for us to be there. ____________________________________________
9. You have the ability to get better marks. ___________________________________________
10. It is not necessary for you to take part in the performance. ____________________________

2. Choose the correct answer:

1. We____ finish this homework today. Its for next Tuesday.

a) neednt

b)mustnt

c)couldnt

2. You look really ill. You ___ stay in bed for a few days.

a) can

b)should

c)had to

3. I ___visit you next week, but Im not sure yet.

a)can

b)has to

c) may

4.The exam was quite difficult, but I __ finish all the questions .

a) should

b)could

c)will be able to

5. When David was three years old he ___ write his own name.

a)had to

b)could

c)can

6. In my opinion, Sheila___apologize for her rude behavior.

a)should

b)have to

c)can

7. Pupils ___smoke in the school grounds. Its forbidden.

a)couldnt

b)neednt

c)mustnt

8.The bus ___ be late because of the heavy rain.

a)should

b)cant

c)might

9. Im sorry. I___ help you. I dont know anything about cars.

a)shouldnt

b)cant

c)needent

10. You ___ eat so quickly. Youll get a stomach ache.

a)cant

b)doesnt have to c)shouldnt

3. Complete the blanks with: must, mustnt, had to or neednt

1. You____________ throw things out of the car window.
2. You ____________hurry: weve got plenty of time.
3. The doctor says she_____________stop smoking: shes coughing very badly.
4. He forgot his hat, so he _____________ run back home to get it.
5. You _____________ go shopping right now; you can go later.
6. The matter is very important; you _____________allow me to see the manager right away.
7. You ___________________stand so close to the edge; it is very dangerous.

8. She ________________do her homework last night because she didnt have time during the day.
9. After her illness last year, she ________________ very careful not to catch a cold.
10. Everyone ______________ carry some form of identification with them.
4.Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal verb.
1. My grandfather was very clever. He _______________speak five languages very well.
2. Tom ____________ drive but he hasnt got a car.
3. She___________________ to drive next year. She has permission.
4. We havent decided yet, but we ___________ go to Italy.
5. Last night John was ill. We ______________ call a doctor.
6. You _____________ do it now, you can do it tomorrow if you want.
7. We ______________ have a passport to visit Asia.
8. When Tom was 16, he ______________run 100 metres in 12 seconds.
9. Anny _______________not come to the party: she wasnt feeling very well.
10. We have got plenty of time. We ___________________ hurry up.
11. You ________________say this:its a secret.
12. You ________________ take this pill before every meal. Its an advice from the doctor.
13. Its going to rain. You ______________________ take an umbrella.
14. You ___________________ drive when the traffic light is red.
15. We ___________________finish our homework today: its for next Tuesday.
16. Daniel_________________________wake up early tomorrow. Its an obligation.
17. You _____________________ smoke in hospitals.
18. She _________________do her homework last night because she didnt have time during the day.
19. You ________________ take something that is not yours.
20. You _________________ pay in cash. You can use your credit card.
21. We _________________ drive further because there was ice on the road.
22. I _________________ go shopping yesterday. There was no food in the house.
23. You __________________eat all the soup if you dont want to.
24. I cant come now, but I __________________ come tomorrow.
5. Rewrite the sentences below using a modal verb without changing the meaning.
1. Perhaps it will rain tomorrow ( may )
______________________________________________________________________
2. They are likely to move to a larger flat next year (might)

______________________________________________________________________
3. In the future all children will know how to use computers. (be able to )
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Its not necessary to be rich in order to be happy (have to)
_______________________________________________________________________
5. I suggest that you say goodbye before you leave (should)
________________________________________________________________________
6. If you want my advice, get a good lawyer.
________________________________________________________________________
7. A university degree isnt necessary for t hat job.
________________________________________________________________________
8. Perhaps my father will pick you up.
_________________________________________________________________________
9. It isnt necessary to make an appointment at the hairdresser.
__________________________________________________________________________
10. Eating is forbidden in class.
__________________________________________________________________________
11. The boss allows the workers th have one afternoon off.
The workers________________________________________________________________
12. She hasnt telephoned. Perhaps she is abroad.
___________________________________________________________________________
13. I suggest you go and see your teacher
You ________________________________________________________________________
6. Translate into English:
1. No podremos visitar la torre Eiffel hoy. Puede que vayamos maana.
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Debes escuchar al profesor si quieres sacar buenas notas.
____________________________________________________________________________
3. No es necesario que traigas tu libro. Puedo prestarte el mo.
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Hay nubes en el cielo. Podra llover esta tarde.
_____________________________________________________________________________

5. No debes decir nada a Juan.

________________________________________________________________________
6. No hace falta comprar caf. Tenemos suficiente.
__________________________________________________________________________
7. Puede que Carlos llame a las tres.
__________________________________________________________________________
8. Deberas conducir ms despacio. Esta carretera es peligrosa.
__________________________________________________________________________
9. Podrs pensar en las vacaciones cuando apruebes.
___________________________________________________________________________
10. Puede llover maana.
___________________________________________________________________________
11. Deberamos esperar a Mara hasta las tres.