Functions of Modal Verbs
We use "shall" when ...
making suggestions
Which modals we use to express habits?
will, would, used to
We really ought not to be left home without telling our parents.
We really ought not to HAVE left home without telling our parents.
I ... have bought an extra bottle of milk. My husband had already bought two bottles.
needn't
It ... have been love.
(95% certainty)
must
Which modals are used to ask for permission?
Can, could, may, might
There ... be a coffee shop next to our school.
used to
What will I do if my luggage gets stolen?
What SHALL I do if my luggage gets stolen?
Of course her plants were dying. She ... always forget to water them.
would
You ... clean your room. We have guests coming over later.
should
With characteristic behaviour we use ...
will and would
Every summer we ... go hiking in the mountains.
would
"Could you give me a ride to work tomorrow morning?"
"Of course I could."
"Of course I CAN."
"I think I heard knocking on the door."
"That ... probably be my brother. He forgot his keys at home."
will
We ... finish the group project by Sunday.
have (got) to
Which modals we use to express prohibition?
Can't, mustn't
He ... always be late to school. It irritates me.
will
Try as I could I couldn't solve the problem.
Try as I MIGHT I couldn't solve the problem.
... we better leave now before it starts raining?
Hadn't
Students are not ... use calculators during the exam.
allowed to
How do we express criticism?
Should/ought + perfect infinitive
In which cases can we only use "used to" and not "would"?
With stative verbs
There can be some issues with electricity on the weekend due to the thunderstorm.
There COULD be some issues with the electricity due to the thunderstorm.
I'm sure he ... have lied to you. He loves you too much.
can't
After many attempts, I finally ... pass the exam.
managed to
was able to