Which Modals?
Which modals or similar expressions are used to express advice that is not urgent?
should, ought to
I can go to the doctor?
Can I go to the doctor?
Jennifer _____________________ (ability) finish her homework in less than 15 minutes.
can or is able to
Roger forgot to buy a gift for his wife's birthday. Now he __________ run!
has to
I _______ play the guitar.
can / am able to
Which modals or similar expressions are used to express a future possibility?
may, might, & could
She ought tell me when she don't come to class.
She ought to tell me when she doesn't come to class.
He _________________ (possibility) move to Miami next year.
may, might, could
Fortunately, I ___________ work at the weekend.
don't have to
When he was a child, he _________ climb trees.
could / was able to
Which modals or similar expressions may be used to express an almost 100% certain negative assumption. (when something is basically impossible)
can't and couldn't
I might fasten my seat belt when I drive.
have to
You _____________________ (advice) close your car windows. There is a heavy rainstorm coming.
should / ought to
He is very dirty. He ________ go to meeting like this.
shouldn't / mustn't / can't
Tomorrow, I __________ help you. But right now, I can't. Sorry.
will be able / may be able / might be able
Which modals or similar expressions are used to express a present necessity in the affirmative?
have to, have got to, and must
I don't have to drive a car because I don't have a driver's license.
can't
Jim ________________ (almost 100% certain) work a lot. He is always very tired.
must have to, has to
His hair is wet. He __________ have been out in the rain.
must
John ______________ solve this problem. He has been working for weeks.
hasn't been able to
Which modal or similar expression is used to express an affirmative necessity in the past tense? It can be seen as the past of "must".
had to
Tomorrow, I can be late because have a doctor's appointment.
may / might / could
Sandra ______________________ be planning to get married soon because she has not started looking for her dress yet.
mustn't / can't
should
___________ help me tonight? I really need it!
Will you be able to