Modals – Advice & Regret
Give advice: “I have a headache.”
You should take some medicine.
Ask permission using a modal.
May I use your phone?
Express ability in the present.
I can speak Spanish.
What modal fits? “You ___ have told me you were sick!” (regret)
Should
Who is the superhero alter ego of Peter Parker?
Spider-Man
Express regret: “I didn’t study for the test.”
I should have studied for the test.
Express necessity: “It’s important to wear a helmet.”
You must wear a helmet.
Express ability in the past.
I could swim when I was 5.
What’s the best modal for advice: “You ___ see a doctor.”
Should or ought to
What’s the name of the magical school in the “Harry Potter” series?
Hogwarts
Suggest a different action in the past: “She didn’t call her mom.”
She ought to have called her mom.
Give an obligation that is less strong than “must”.
You have to finish your homework.
What’s a polite way to ask if someone is able to help?
Could you help me?
Choose the correct: “He ___ be at home. I saw his car outside.” (deduction)
Must
Name one Canadian singer who became an international pop star.
Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, or Celine Dion
Express mild criticism about past behavior.
You could have been more polite.
How would you say there's no need to bring food?
You don’t have to bring food.
Talk about a general past ability vs. one-time success.
“Could” = general ability; “was able to” = specific event
Use a modal for lack of necessity: “You ___ come early tomorrow.”
Don’t have to
What popular U.S. TV series featured characters named Ross, Rachel, and Joey?
Friends
What’s the difference between “should” and “should have”?
"Should" is for advice in the present/future, "should have" is for missed actions in the past.
Rewrite: “You are not allowed to smoke here.” using a modal.
You must not smoke here.
Change this sentence to show inability in the past: “She solved the puzzle.”
She couldn’t solve the puzzle.
Express past ability and missed opportunity in one sentence.
I could have gone to the party, but I was tired.
What Marvel movie broke box office records in 2019?
Avengers: Endgame