THE MODAL VERBS ARE:

can could may might shall should will would must

We use modal verbs to show if we believe something is certain, probable or possible (or
not). We also use modals to do things like talking about ability, asking permission making
requests and offers, and so on.

CERTAIN, PROBABLE OR POSSIBLE

The modals are used to show that we believe something is certain, probable or possible:

Possibility:
We use the modals could, might and may to show that something is possible in the future,
but not certain:
They might come later. (= Perhaps/Maybe they will come later.)
They may come by car. (= Perhaps/Maybe they will come by car.)
If we dont hurry we could be late. (= Perhaps/Maybe we will be late)
We use could have, might have and may have to show that something was possible now or
at some time in the past:
Its ten oclock. They might have arrived now.
They could have arrived hours ago.
We use the modal can to make general statements about what is possible:
It can be very cold in winter. (= It is sometimes very cold in winter)
You can easily lose your way in the dark. (= People often lose their way in the dark)
We use the modal could as the past tense of can:
It could be very cold in winter. (= Sometimes it was very cold in winter.)
You could lose your way in the dark. (= People often lost their way in the dark)

Impossibility:
We use the negative cant or cannot to show that something is impossible:
That cant be true.
You cannot be serious.
We use couldnt/could not to talk about the past:
We knew it could not be true.
He was obviously joking. He could not be serious.

Probability:
We use the modal must to show we are sure something to be true and we have reasons for
our belief:
 Its getting dark. It must be quite late.
You havent eaten all day. You must be hungry.
We use must have for the past:
They hadnt eaten all day. They must have been hungry.
You look happy. You must have heard the good news.
We use the modal should to suggest that something is true or will be true in the future, and
to show you have reasons for your suggestion:
Ask Miranda. She should know.
It's nearly six o'clock. They should arrive soon.
We use should have to talk about the past:
It's nearly eleven o'clock. They should have arrived by now.
Match a sentence with its purpose.
She should be able to help. I've got another meeting at 11am,
He must have been terrified. It's -15C outside.
It can be very difficult at first. Talk to Miriam in Human Resources.
That can't be healthy. He works every weekend, you know.
They could have been stuck in the snow. Mark's starting a new school on Monday.
They should have landed by now. I am thinking again about what Alison said.
You must be frozen. The roads were very bad this evening.
She may be right. I can't see your train on the board.
It may have been cancelled. It was a pretty vicious dog.
I may be late. There were no delays.

ABILITY, PERMISSION, REQUESTS AND ADVICE

The modals are used to do things like talking about ability, asking permission making
requests, and so on.

Ability:
We use can to talk about someones skill or general abilities:
She can speak several languages.
He can swim like a fish.
They cant dance very well.
We use can to talk about the ability to do something at a given time in the present or future:
You can make a lot of money if you are lucky.
Help. I cant breathe.
They can run but they cant hide.
We use could to talk about past time:
She could speak several languages.
They couldnt dance very well.
We use could have to say that someone had the ability/opportunity to do something, but did
not do it:
She could have learned Swahili, but she didnt have time.
I could have danced all night [but didn't].

Permission:
We use can to ask for permission to do something:
Can I ask a question, please?
Can we go home now?
could is more formal and polite than can:
Could I ask a question please?
Could we go home now?
may is another more formal and polite way of asking for permission:
May I ask a question please?
May we go home now?
We use can to give permission:
You can go home now if you like.
You can borrow my pen if you like.
may is a more formal and polite way of giving permission:
You may go home now, if you like.
We use can to say that someone has permission to do something:
We can go out whenever we want.
Students can travel free.
may is a more formal and polite way of saying that someone has permission:
Students may travel free.

Instructions and requests:

We use could you and would you as polite ways of telling or asking someone to do
something:
Could you take a message please?
Would you carry this for me please?
Could I have my bill please?
can and will are less polite:
Can you take a message please?
Will you carry this for me please?

Suggestions and advice:

We use should to make suggestions and give advice:
You should send an email.
We should go by train.
We use could to make suggestions:
We could meet at the weekend.
You could eat out tonight.
We use conditionals to give advice:
Dan will help you if you ask him.
Past tenses are more polite:
Dan would help you if you asked him.

Offers and invitations:

We use can I and to make offers:
Can I help you?
Can I do that for you?
We can also use shall I
Shall I help you with that?
Shall I call you on your mobile?
We sometime say I can ... or I could ... or Ill (I will) ... to make an offer:
I can do that for you if you like.
I can give you a lift to the station.
Ill do that for you if you like.
Ill give you a lift to the station.
We use would you like (to) ... for invitations:
Would you like to come round tomorrow?
Would you like another drink?
We use you must or we must for a very polite invitation:
You must come round and see us.
We must meet again soon.

Obligation and necessity

We use must to say that it is necessary to do something:
You must stop at a red light.
Everyone must bring something to eat.
You can wear what you like, but you must look neat and tidy.
Im sorry, but you mustnt make a noise in here.
We use had to for this if we are talking about the past:
Everyone had to bring something to eat.
We could wear what we liked, but we had to look neat and tidy.
Read the questions and select the right answer.

Which one of the pair expresses an ability?

Can I lift that for you? I can lift that easily.

Which one of the pair expresses an obligation?

I must go to the dentist. I can't go to the dentist.

Which one of the pair expresses a request?

Could we meet on Thursday? We could meet on Thursday.

Which one of the pair expresses a request for permission?

Could I go now? I could go now.

Which one of the pair expresses a suggestion?

Could we meet on Thursday? We could meet on Thursday.

Which one of the pair expresses an ability?

He could speak several languages. He could speak to the boss.

Which one of the pair expresses an offer?

Can you give me a hand? I can give you a hand.

Which one of the pair expresses an invitation?

We must go out for a drink. We must get out of the building.

Which one of the pair expresses advice?

You should speak to a lawyer. You may speak to a lawyer.

 MODALS + HAVE
We use a modal verb with have and the past participle:

Subject Modal Have Past Participle

They will have arrived by now
You might have seen the film
Jack and Jill would have been late
We use a modal verb with have to refer back:

from a point of time in the past:

We were very worried. Someone might have taken the car.

from the present

It is nearly eight oclock. They will have arrived by now.

or from the future:

We wont eat until they arrive. They might not have had supper.

or to refer to past time:

You should have helped her when she asked.
They might have got lost. Nobody knows where they are.

CAN, COULD AND COULD HAVE

Questions and negatives:

We make questions by putting the subject after can/could:
Can I ? Can you ? Could I Could you ? and so on.
The negative form is cant in spoken English and cannot in written English.
We sometimes say cannot, but it is very emphatic.
The negative form of could is couldnt in spoken English and could not in written English.
We sometimes say could not.
We use can and cant :

To talk about ability:

Maria can speak four languages.
I cant swim, but my sister can.

To say that something is possible or impossible:

 Learning English can be difficult [= Learning English is sometimes difficult.]
Children can be very naughty [= Children are sometimes very naughty.]
Its still light. It cant be bedtime.

For requests and refusals of requests

Can I go home now?
You can go whenever you like.
You can borrow the car today, but you cant have it tomorrow.

To offer to help someone:

Can I help you?
Can I carry that bag for you?
We use could and couldnt as the past tense of can/cant:

To talk about ability:

I could run very fast when I was younger.
She couldnt get a job anywhere.

To say that something was possible or impossible:

Our teacher could be very strict when we were at school. [= Some teachers were very
strict.]
People could starve in those days. [= People sometimes starved.]
You couldnt use computers in the nineteenth century.

To make a polite request:

Could I go now please?
Could you lend me a dictionary please?

To make a polite offer:

Could I give you a lift?
I could carry that for you.
We use could have:

to show that something is possible now or was possible at some time in the past:
Its ten oclock. They could have arrived now.
They could have arrived hours ago.
Verbs - can, could, could have
Match a sentence with its purpose.
refusal of request That can't be right.
possibility Can you lend me a pen?
polite request He can run really fast.
ability Can I get your bags?
impossibility Children can be difficult sometimes.
polite offer You can't watch any more TV.
past ability I couldn't see the road.
offer Could I have your autograph?
request The post could sometimes take weeks.
past possibility Could I get you anything else?

MAY, MIGHT, MAY HAVE AND MIGHT HAVE

Questions and negatives:
We make questions by putting the subject after may/might:
May I ? Could I Might I ? Etc.
The negative forms are may not and might not..
We use may:

when we are not sure about something:

Jack may be coming to see us tomorrow.
Oh dear! Its half past ten. We may be late for the meeting.
There may not be very many people there.

to make polite requests:

May I borrow the car tomorrow?
May we come a bit later?
When we use may not for a refusal it is emphatic:
You may not!
You may not borrow the car until you can be more careful with it.
We use might:
when we are not sure about something:
I might see you tomorrow.
It looks nice, but it might be very expensive.
Its quite bright. It might not rain today.
As the past tense of may for requests:
He asked if he might borrow the car.
They wanted to know if they might come later.
For very polite requests:
Might I ask you a question?
Might we just interrupt for a moment?
We use may have and might have to show that something has possibly happened now or
happened at some time in the past:
Its ten oclock. They might have arrived now.[= Perhaps they have arrived]
They may have arrived hours ago. [= Perhaps they arrived hours ago.]
Match a sentence with its purpose.
not sure about something You may not use my mobile phone!
emphatic refusal Might I have a word in private?
polite request I may see you at the weekend.
something possible happened She wondered if she might borrow some money.
very polite request They may have forgotten all about it.
past request May I have your attention, please.

CAN OR COULD

Possibility
We use the modal can to make general statements about what is possible:
It can be very cold in winter. (= It is sometimes very cold in winter)
You can easily lose your way in the dark. (= People often lose their way in the dark)
We use could as the past tense of can:
It could be very cold in winter. (=Sometimes it was very cold in winter.)
You could lose your way in the dark. (=People often lost their way in the dark)
We use could to show that something is possible in the future, but not certain:
If we dont hurry we could be late. (=Perhaps/Maybe we will be late)
We use could have to show that something is/was possible now or at some time in the past:
Its ten oclock. They could have arrived now.
They could have arrived hours ago.

Impossibility:
We use the negative cant or cannot to show that something is impossible:
That cant be true.
You cannot be serious.
We use couldnt/could not to talk about the past:
We knew it could not be true.
He was obviously joking. He could not be serious.

Ability:
We use can to talk about someones skill or general abilities:
 She can speak several languages.
He can swim like a fish.
They cant dance very well.
We use can to talk about the ability to do something at a given time in the present or future:
You can make a lot of money if you are lucky.
Help. I cant breathe.
They can run but they cant hide.
We use could to talk about past time:
She could speak several languages.
They couldnt dance very well.
Permission:
We use can to ask for permission to do something:
Can I ask a question, please?
Can we go home now?
could is more formal and polite than can:
Could I ask a question please?
Could we go home now?
We use can to give permission:
You can go home now if you like.
You can borrow my pen if you like.
We use can to say that someone has permission to do something:
We can go out whenever we want.
Students can travel free.

Instructions and requests:

We use could you and as a polite way of telling or asking someone to do something:
Could you take a message please?
Could I have my bill please?
can is less polite:
Can you take a message please?

Offers and invitations:

We use can I to make offers:
Can I help you?
Can I do that for you?
We sometimes say I can ... or I could ... to make an offer:
I can do that for you if you like.
I can give you a lift to the station.

Read the questions and select the correct answer.

Which one of the pair is a past tense?

I could see them tomorrow.

I could see them in the distance.

Which one of the pair is a future possibility?

It wasn't always sunny. It could rain a lot in winter.

It could rain. Take an umbrella.

Which one of the pair is an ability at a given time?

She can't hear. There's too much noise.

She can't hear you. She's deaf.

Which one of the pair is more formal and polite?

Can we have a break, please?

Could we have a break, please?

Which one of the pair describes permission?

We can leave at any time.

We can drink this water, it's safe.

WILL OR WOULD
We use will:

to talk about the future to say what we believe will happen

to talk about what people want to do or are willing to do
to make promises and offers
would is the past tense form of will. Because it is a past tense it is used:

to talk about the past.

to talk about hypotheses things that are imagined rather than true.
for politeness.
Beliefs
We use will

to say what we believe will happen in the future:

We'll be late.
We will have to take the train.
We use would as the past tense of will:

to say what we believed would happen:

I thought I would be late so I would have to take the train.

Offers and promises

We use I will or We will to make offers and promises:
Ill give you a lift home after the party.
We will come and see you next week.

Willingness

to talk about what people want to do or are willing to do:

Well see you tomorrow.
Perhaps dad will lend me the car.
We use would as the past tense of will:

to talk about what people wanted to do or were willing to do:

We had a terrible night. The baby wouldnt go to sleep. He kept waking up and crying.
Dad wouldnt lend me the car, so we had to take the train.

to talk about something that we did often in the past because we wanted to do it:
When they were children they used to spend their holidays at their grandmothers at the
seaside. They would get up early every morning and theyd have a quick breakfast
then they would run across the road to the beach.

Conditionals
We use will in conditionals with if and unless to say what we think will happen in the future
or present:
Ill give her a call if I can find her number.
You wont get in unless you have a ticket.
We use would to talk about hypotheses, about something which is possible but not real:

to talk about the result or effect of a possible situation:

 It would be very expensive to stay in a hotel.

in conditionals with words like if and what if. In these sentences the main verb is usually
in the past tense:
I would give her a call if I could find her number.
If I had the money I'd buy a new car.
You would lose weight if you took more exercise.
If he got a new job he would probably make more money.
What if he lost his job. What would happen then?
We use conditionals to give advice:
Dan will help you if you ask him.
Past tenses are more polite:
Dan would help you if you asked him.

Phrases with would:

would you, would you mind (not) -ing, for requests:

Would you carry this for me please?
Would you mind carrying this?
Would you mind not telling him that?

would you like ...; would you like to ..., for offers and invitations:
Would you like to come round tomorrow?
Would you like another drink?

I would like ; Id like (you)(to) ..., to say what we want or what we want to do:
Id like that one please.
Id like to go home now.

Id rather (I would rather) to say what we prefer:

Id rather have that one.
Id rather go home now.

I would think, I would imagine, I'd guess, to give an opinion when we are not sure or
when we want to be polite:
Its very difficult I would imagine.
I would think thats the right answer.
Read the sentences and decide whether the gap should be filled with 'will' or 'would'.
______ you mind closing the door ? Will/Would
Maybe I ______ speak to her. Will/Would
We ______ see what happens tomorrow. Will/Would
What ______ you like to eat? Will/Would
If I see her I ______ let her know. Will/Would
She ______ speak to me, she was so upset. won't/wouldn't
I promise I ______ tell anyone. won't/wouldn't
She thought she ______ be late, so she took a taxi. Will/Would
When I was in the army, we ______ get up at 5.30 a.m. Will/Would
Come on. You ______ need much, just a change of clothes. won't/wouldn't

WILL HAVE OR WOULD HAVE

We use the perfective will have when we are looking back from a point in time when
something will have happened.
By the end of the decade scientists will have discovered a cure for influenza.
I will phone at six oclock. He will have got home by then.
or looking "back" from the present:
Look at the time. The match will have started.
Its half past five. Dad will have finished work.
We use would have as the past tense form of will have:
I phoned at six oclock. I knew he would have got home by then.
It was half past five. Dad would have finished work.
We use would have in past conditionals to talk about something that did not happen:
If it had been a little warmer we would have gone for a swim.
He would have been very angry if he had seen you.

Read the sentences and decide whether the gap should be filled with 'will have' or
'would have'.

I thought you ______ cooked dinner by the time I arrived. will have/would have
By the time we get there, Nick ______ left. . will have/would have
The meeting ______ ended by five o'clock, so I'll see you then. . will have/would have
If the car hadn't broken down, she ______ missed the train. . won't have/wouldn't have
Don't phone them just yet, they ______ got up. won't have/wouldn't have
 DELEXICAL VERBS: HAVE, TAKE, MAKE, GIVE, GO AND DO
We often use common verbs like have and take with nouns like a shower, a drink:
I took a shower. = I showered.
She had a drink. = She drank something.
We call these delexical verbs because the important part of the meaning is taken out of the
verb and put into the noun.
We often put adjectives in front of the noun:
I took a cold shower.
She had a nice, refreshing drink.
The verbs used most frequently in this way are: have take make give

HAVE
We use have with:
Food and drink: a meal, breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, a cup of tea
Talking: a chat, a conversation, a discussion, a talk
Washing: a bath, a shower, a wash, a scrub
Resting: a break, a holiday, a rest
Disagreeing: an argument, a dispute, a fight, a quarrel
I had a good breakfast before I left home.
We had a long talk about the problem.
The kids should have a bath before they go to bed.
She generally had a short holiday in July or August.
They had a serious quarrel about their fathers will.
We also use have with nouns formed from verbs:
I think you should have a look at this.
She had a bite of the cake.
Im thirsty. Im going to have a drink of water.
I had a listen to that new CD in the car.
They are going to have a swim.
Delexical verbs 1: 'have'
having dinner had an argument have a holiday have a look had a nice chat have a shower
1. Can you phone back in half an hour? We're just having dinner .
2. I met up with an old friend last night and we had a nice chat about our school days.
3. In the morning I like to go for a long run and then have a shower .
4. I don't usually have a holiday in the summer. It's our busiest time at work.
5. "How was the party?" "It was fun. Rob and Greg had an argument about football, as
usual!"
6. We took some great photos in Egypt. Would you like to have a look

TAKE
We use take with:
Washing: a bath, a shower, a wash
Resting: a break, a holiday, a rest
I always take a cold shower in the morning.
You look tired. You need to take a break.
and with these words:
 care
a turn
trouble
a chance
a decision
care of
turns
the trouble
a risk a photograph
We took hundreds of photographs on holiday.
Jane always takes a lot of trouble with her homework.
We also use take with some nouns formed from verbs:
I think you should take a look at this.
Lets take a walk.
They are going to take a swim.
Delexical verbs 2: 'take'
Use the correct expressions with 'take' to complete the sentences.
took some great photos - take a break - decision to take - take care - take a hot bath - take
risks
1. Sometimes I like to at the end of the day. The hot water helps me relax.
2. OK, let's We'll start again in half an hour.
3. I'm going to the bathroom. Can you of my bags for a moment?
4. If you want to succeed in business, you have to be ready to .
5. Going to work in another country was a difficult
6. We in Egypt. Would you like to have a look?
Delexical verbs 3: 'have' and 'take'
Which verb do these words go with 'have', 'take', or both to make expressions for
actions? Put them in the correct groups.
a coffeea turn - a decisiona risk - a discussion - a shower - a walka fight - a swim - a
conversationcare (of) - a holiday - a meal - a chancea break - a bath - an argument - a photo
have
take
have/take

GIVE
We use give with:
Noises: a cry, a laugh, a scream, a shout, a whistle
Facial expressions: a smile, a grin, a look, a glance
Hitting: a kick, a punch, a slap, a push, a knock, a blow
Affectionate actions: a hug, a kiss, a stroke
Talking: some advice, an answer, some information, an interview,
a lecture, some news, a report, a speech, a talk, a warning
She gave a loud laugh.
John gave a happy smile.
He gave me a nasty kick on the leg.
She gave the children a goodnight kiss and put them to bed.
I have to give a speech at the meeting tomorrow.
 Delexical verbs 4: 'give'
Use the correct words to complete the expressions with 'give' in the sentences.
a hug - a smile - a scream - a push - an answer - some advice
1. 1. "Don't look so sad," said the photographer. "Give me !"
2. 2. "It's lovely to see you again," my grandmother said. "Give me !"
3. 3. I know it's not really my business, but do you mind if I give you ?
4. 4. My car won't start. Will you give me ?
5. 5. That's an extremely good question. I'll give you in the next lesson.
6. 6. When she saw the spider, she gave and ran from the room.

MAKE
We use make with:
Talking and sounds: a comment, an enquiry, a noise, a point,
a promise, a sound, a speech, a suggestion
Plans: arrangements, a choice, a decision, a plan, plans, an appointment, a date
Try not to make a noise.
They made arrangements to meet the next day.
Delexical verbs 5: 'make'
make a suggestion - make a speech - make a sound - made plans - make an appointment -
made a promise
1. 1. Shh! Don't . The baby's asleep.
2. 2. "Can't we visit mum tomorrow?" "No. We to call on her today."
3. 3. My brother's asked me to at his wedding. I'm terrified!
4. 4. Can I ? Why don't we ask Phil if he can help us?
5. 5. Sorry, I can't meet you this weekend. I've already .
6. 6. Hello, I'd like to to see the doctor, please.
Delexical verbs 6: 'give' and 'make'
Which verb, 'give' or 'make', goes with each group of words? Type in the correct verb.
7. a choice, a promise, a decision
8. a comment, arrangements, a noise
9. a hug, some advice, a scream
10. a suggestion, a plan, a sound
11. a laugh, a smile, a kick
12. an appointment, a point, a date
13. a push, a kiss, an answer
14. a shout, a talk, a warning

GO AND DO
We also use go and do as delexical verbs:
Shall we go swimming this afternoon? Or shall we go for a walk?
Its your turn to do the cooking.
Ill have to do my hair before the party.

GO
We use go with ing verbs for common activities:
We usually go walking at the weekend.
He goes running every evening after supper.
Mums out. Shes gone shopping.
We use go for a with verbs to do with moving:
a jog - a ride - a swim - a run - a stroll - a walk
I want to get out of here. Lets go for a walk.
Hes gone for a ride on his bike.
Delexical verbs 7: 'go'
Type in the correct word or words to complete the expressions with 'go' in the sentences. Use
the letters in brackets ( ).
1. Did you know that Alan has a horse? He goes every weekend. (dgiinr)
2. I'm meeting Ivana later. We're going for clothes. (ghinopps)
3. It's a nice morning. I think I'll go (afgjoor)
4. Vic isn't here right now. He's gone in the sea. (afimorsw)
5. We usually go on Friday night. (acdginn)
6. We need a break. Let's go in the park. (aflloorrst)

DO
We use do the with ing nouns to do with work, especially work in the house:
Its your turn to do the cooking.
You do the washing up and Ill do the drying.
and with other nouns to do with work:
I need to do a few jobs around the house.
I cant come out this evening. I have a lot of work to do.
We use do with nouns when it is obvious what the action is:
Ill have to do my hair before we go out. = Ill have to brush my hair.
Have you done your teeth? = Have you cleaned your teeth?
A question like
Have you done the car?
could mean
Have you washed the car?
Have you mended the car?
Have you put petrol in the car?
depending on the context.
Delexical verbs 8: 'do'
Click on the correct expressions to complete the sentences. In two of the sentences, both
expressions are correct because they have the same meaning.
-Go to your room and ______. You've got a test next week, remember.
do your homework - do your housework -both: they're the same
-In my family, my mum had a full-time job and my dad ___ most of ___.
did the homework -did the housework - both: they're the same
- Whenever we have a big family dinner, my mum cooks and my dad ______ afterwards.
does the washing-up - does the dishes - both: they're the same
- "Where's my red T-shirt?" "It's in the washing machine. You know I always ______ on
Wednesdays!"
do the washing - do the laundry - both: they're the same
- If you wash the dishes, I'll ______ and put them away.
do the ironing - do the drying - both: they're the same
I don't have any shirts to wear. They're all clean but I didn't have time to ______.
do the drying - do the ironing - both: they're the same
Delexical verbs 9: 'go' and 'do'
Can you remember the sentences from the last two activities? Type in the correct expressions
with 'go' or 'do'.
1. "Where's my red T-shirt?" "It's in the washing machine. You know I always
on Wednesdays!"
2. Did you know that Alan has a horse? He every weekend.
3. Go to your room and You've got a test next week, remember.
4. I don't have any shirts to wear. They're all clean but I didn't have time to
5. I'm meeting Ivana later. We're for clothes.
6. In my family, my mum had a full-time job and my dad most of the
housework
7. It's a nice morning. I think I'll
8. Vic isn't here right now. He's in the sea.
9. If you wash the dishes, I'll and put them away.
10. We need a break. Let's in the park.
11. We usually on Friday night.
12. Whenever we have a big family dinner, my mum cooks and my dad
afterwards.