Rules and Usage
What modal verb do we use to describe an internal obligation?
Must
Which modal verb form is used to express a mistake or regret in the past?
Plus write down one sentence
Should/ought to have + past participle.
Complete the sentence: "You ___ take an umbrella; it looks like rain."
Might
You see someone running towards a departing train. Complete the sentence: "He ___ have missed the train; he looks upset
Must.
Which modal verb is used to express prohibition?
Mustn’t.
How do you express a past prohibition?
Plus write down one sentence
Wasn’t/weren’t allowed to or couldn’t.
Create a sentence with can’t have to deny a possibility in the past.
Example: She can’t have eaten all the cookies; the box is still full.
The traffic was light this morning. Complete the sentence: "We ___ have arrived earlier if we had left on time."
Could
What’s the difference between have to and must?
Have to often refers to external obligations, while must expresses internal or personal obligations.
Create a sentence using might have to speculate about a past event.
Example: He might have missed the bus because he didn’t set his alarm.
What does “should have known better” mean?
It means someone made a mistake and ought to have avoided it.
A driver didn’t stop at a red light and caused an accident. Complete the sentence: "The accident ___ been avoided if he had stopped."
Might have
What modal verb is used when something is not obligatory?
Don’t have to
What modal verb expresses 90% certainty about a past event?
Plus write down a sentence
Must have
Use a modal verb in a sentence to suggest an action politely.
Example: You might want to try the new Italian restaurant.
You notice a friend’s car isn’t parked at work. Complete the sentence: "She ___ have driven to the service station for fuel."
May have
How do we ask for advice using modals?
Use should, ought to, or had better (e.g., You should see a doctor).
What’s the difference between didn’t need to and needn’t have?
Didn’t need to means it wasn’t necessary, and it’s unclear if the action happened. Needn’t have means it wasn’t necessary, but the action was done.
What is the difference between may well and might?
May well suggests a stronger likelihood (70%), while might indicates a 50% chance
You see a road sign knocked over. Complete the sentence: "It ___ have been the storm last night that knocked it over."
Must