Correct the Mistake
I might go to the concert, but I must to check my schedule first.
I might go to the concert, but I must check my schedule first.
Free tickets for the event must / can / need to be collected online.
can
"I have no idea how to solve this maths problem!"
Suggested answer: "I can help you with it!"
It was a mistake to buy those trainers.
I shouldn't have bought those trainers.
Identify the function of the modal verb:
"You must wear a seatbelt at all times."
Obligation
You don’t have bring an umbrella; it’s not going to rain.
You don’t have to bring an umbrella; it’s not going to rain.
He was running late, so he might / must / should have taken a taxi. (logical assumption - certainty)
must
"I feel really sick after having eaten that much seafood."
Suggested answer: "You should see a doctor."
It’s possible that I lost my keys at the park. (might)
I might have lost my keys at the park.
Identify the function of the modal verb:
"She might be at home, but I’m not sure."
Possibility
I had to wake up early yesterday, but I needn’t caught the bus.
I had to wake up early yesterday, but I needn’t have caught the bus.
That book is fantastic! You mustn’t / shouldn’t / have to read it!
should
"I left my phone in the dining hall, and now it’s gone!"
Suggested answer: "It must have been taken to reception."
It was wrong to let them enter the dangerous area. (should not)
They should not have been allowed to enter the dangerous area.
Identify the function of the modal verb:
"He must have left already because the office is empty."
Logical assumption
The car broke down, so now we should call a mechanic. (urgent necessity)
The car broke down, so we must call a mechanic.
You could / might / must have won the competition if you had trained harder.
could
"He said he would call, but he hasn't."
Suggested answer: "He might have forgotten."
I regret not booking my flight earlier! (could)
I could have booked my flight earlier!
What is the difference between don’t have to and mustn’t?
Don’t have to = Lack of necessity (something is not necessary); Mustn’t = Prohibition (something is forbidden)
He can be here earlier if he had left on time.
He could have been here earlier if he had left on time.
It’s impossible that she finished the exam so quickly. She mustn’t / can’t / shouldn’t have finished already!
can’t
"Was it really you singing at the concert yesterday?" (negative answer)
Suggested answer: "You couldn’t have seen me, I was at home all day."
It was unnecessary for you to buy a ticket. (needn’t)
You needn’t have bought a ticket.
Identify the function of the modal verb: "The guests were supposed to arrive at 6 p.m., but they are late."
Expectation