The truth or certainty of what is asserted is more or lesstaken for granted.
- I'll see you later.
- His latest book will be out next month.
- You've got a letter form Canada. It'll be from my aunt Freda.
- Leave the meat in the oven. It won't be cooked yet.
- I wonder what Sarah's doing. Weel, it's Monday morning, so I geuss that right now she'll be taking the children to school.
- You say he walked across the Sahara Desrt! He must be mad!
- You must be joking! I simply don't believe you.
- She can't have a ten-year-old daughter! She's only twenty-one herself!
- Whose is the coat? It can't be Mary's. Its too small.
- Our guests should be here soon (if they haven't got lost).
- This homework shouldn't take you too long (if you've understand what you have to do).
- We should be moving into our new house soon (as long as nothing goes wrong).
- You should pass the exam. You've worked hard.
* You shouldn't fail the exam. You haven't done any work at all.
- We may go to Greece this year. We haven't decided yet.
- 'Where is Ann?' 'She may be having a bath.' 'I don't know.'
- It might rain. Take your umbrella.
-'Where's Peter?' He might be upstairs. There's a light on.'
- You could be right. I'm not sure.
- The film could be worth seeing. It had a good review.
- You might not be right.
- The film might not be any good.
- She couldn't have a ten-year-old daughter! She's only 21 herself.
3. Modal auxiliary verbs of probability
All the modal auxiliary verbs abouve can be used with the perfect infinitive. They express the same varying degrees of certainty. Again, will have done is the most certain, and might / could have done is the least certain.
- 'I met a tall girl at your party. Very attarctive.' 'That'll have been my sister, Patsy.'
- It must have been a good party. Everyone stayed till dawn.
- Where's pete? He should have been here ages ago!
- He may have got lost.
- He could have had an accident.
4. Other uses of modal auxiliary verbs
Here is some further information about modal auxiliary verbs, but it is by no means complete.
- You must try harder!
- You mustn't hit your baby brother.
- What time do you have to start work?
- I had to work hard to pass my exam.
- You'll have to do this exercise again.
- We might have to make some economies.
- She's never had to do a single day's work in her life.
- I hate having to get up early.
- I must get my hair cut. (I am telling myself.)
- You must do this again. (Teacher to student.)
Must is associated with a more formal, written style.
- Candidates must answer three questions. (On an exam paper)
- Books must be returned by the end of the week. (Istructions in a library)
Have to expresses a general obligation based on a law or rule, or based on the authority of anohter person.
- Children have to go to school until they're 16. (It's the row)
- Mum says you have to tidy your room.
- You mustn't steal. It's very naughty.
- You don't have to go to England if you want to learn English.
- I've got to go now.
- Don't have a late night. We've got to get up early tomorrow.
- You should go to bed. You look very tired.
- You ought to take things easier.
- You should have listened to my advice. I was right all the time.
- May I ask you a question?
- May I use your pen?
- Can / Could I go home? I don't feel well.
- Can / Could I borrow you car tonight.
- You can use a dictionary in this exam.
- You can't stay up till midnight. you're only five.
- You can't smoke in here. It's forbidden.
I could I was allow to | go out on my own until I was sixteen. |
- I can speak three languages.
- I could swim when I was three.
- I've never been able to understand her.
- I love being able to drive.
- You'll be able to walk again soon.
- She was able to survive by clinging onto the wrecked boat.
- The prisoner managed to escape by climbing onto the roof.
- I could have gone to university, but I didn't want to.
- I could have told you that Chris wouldn't come. He hates parties.
- You could tell us if you're going to be late!
- You could have done something to help me instead of just sitting there!
Several modal verbs express a request.
- Can / Could / Will / Would you do me a favour?
- I'll help you.
- She says she won't get up until she's had breakfast in bed.
- The car won't start.
- Shall I give you a hand?
- My mum said she wouldn't give me any more money. Isn't take mean?
Modal auxiliary verbs are also deal with in Unit 9 and 10.