Modal Verbs

MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS
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The modal verbs are can, could, may, might, must, will, would, should, ought to, have to, allowed to. Modal verbs express our attitudes, opinions, andjudgements of events. Each modal verb has at least two meanings:
I must mail this letter! (= obligation) You must be tired! (= deduction, probability) Could you help me? (= request) We could go to Spainfor our vacation. (= possibility) You may go home now. (=permission) “Where’s Anna?” “I’m not sure. She may be at work.” (=possibility)

MODAL VERBS Certainty and Uncertainty Must /Can’t: They areused to make deductions. This usage is especially common with the verb be.
You must be tired after your long journey. (I’m sure you are) That can’t be Sue. She’s in Brazil. (I’m sure it’s notpossible)
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May /Might/Could: These words all express uncertainty or possibility. Could is not used with not in this context.
You might be tired after your long journey. (I’m sure you are) I mightsee you later if I finish my work, but don’t count on it.

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Should/Ought to: These are both used for obligation. But they are also used when we expect that something will happen.
Brenda shouldbe home by now. (I expect that she is)

MODAL VERBS Obligation Must/Have to: In writing there is no real difference. In speech, must is used when the speaker personally feels something is importantand have to is used when the situation makes something necessary.
You must start working harder! (I say so) You have to turn left here. (it’s the law) Sorry, I must leave/have to leave now. (in thisexample there is no difference)
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Mustn’t/don’t have to: Mustn’t describes something which is prohibited. Don’t have to describes something which is not necessary.
You mustn’t leave now.(It’s not allowed. It’s against the rules)

You don’t have to leave now.

(It’s not necessary. You have a choice)

MODAL VERBS
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Should/Ought to: They are used to say what is the best thing...