Modality English Grammar PDF

MODALITY LESSON 24: UNCERTAINTY Modality Modals can be used for:  Obligation  Permission and prohibition  Speculation  Prediction Examples of modals  It must be very hot outside.  That vase might be 700 years old.  We could have fish tomorrow.  Luke shouldn’t drive so fa...

MODALITY LESSON 24: UNCERTAINTY Modality Modals can be used for:  Obligation  Permission and prohibition  Speculation  Prediction Examples of modals  It must be very hot outside.  That vase might be 700 years old.  We could have fish tomorrow.  Luke shouldn’t drive so fast.  You ought to take notes.  We can watch a movie after dinner.  Ask Lucy, she may know the answer.  … What do modals do? Modals help you define a verb. They tell you…  If you are allowed to do something (or not).  If something is (un)likely.  How sure you are of something.  … Modals + infinitive Modals are always used with an infinitive. You can have a modal with …  Present infinitive (You should tell her.) = normal  Infinitive continuous (He might be watching TV.) = longer activity (e.g. here: a TV show that lasts 45 minutes)  Past infinitive (You could have warned me.) = for things in the past (e.g. here: you’ve just tripped) 1. Obligation Let’s start with obligation. First we have to define how strong you are obliged to do something (or not).  Strong: must, have to  Moderate: should, ought to (moderate obligation is closer to advice) Strong obligation: must / have to  MUST - When we think something is necessary. e.g. I must get a haircut, my hair is too long. - In written rules and instructions e.g. Visitors must wear their identity badges when entering. (note on door) - When someone in authority is speaking e.g. You must upload your task on Smartschool. (teacher) Strong obligation: must / have to  HAVE TO - When an action is necessary because someone else requires it. e.g. We have to finish the catalogue design tonight. Our client wants to see it tomorrow morning. - To talk about habits or routines: e.g. She has to take the train because she doesn’t have a car. - Because something is a rule or the law: e.g. You have to get a visa if you want to travel through India. Strong obligation: must / have to QUESTIONS  Usually: have to, not must e.g. When do we have to hand in this task?  Exception: to question a command or order e.g. Must we wear these stupid hats all day? ( = Is it really necessary?) Strong obligation: must / have to NEGATIVE SENTENCES  If there is no obligation: “don’t have to” (for “must” and “have to”)  If there is an obligation not to do something (= prohibition): mustn’t You don’t have to do it. (= There’s no obligation for you to do it.) You mustn’t do it. (= I forbid you to do it.) (Note: you can also use “don’t need to” instead of “don’t have to”.) 2. Permission and prohibition We use these modals for permission:  CAN  MAY You can also use this verb (not a modal)  BE ALLOWED TO (prohibition = you don’t have permission) Permission and prohibition: can/may QUESTIONS  May: only for “I” e.g. May I (Can I) have your business card, please?  Can: in all other cases Permission and prohibition: can/may NEGATIVE SENTENCES (= prohibition)  You can use can’t, may not and mustn’t in negative sentences. Sorry, you can’t smoke in here. Visitors may not park their car in front of the building. You mustn’t talk on your mobile phone while you’re driving. 3. Speculation  There’s a possibility, but you’re not sure (for various reasons).  Modals usually used for speculation: - may - might - could  Sometimes you can also use must. Speculation Some examples:  Ask Lucy, she might know. (perhaps she knows)  I think so, but I could be wrong (you’re not sure)  I may be wrong about it, so don’t quote me. (you’re not sure)  Don’t call him right now, he could be watching the match on tv. (possible) Speculation When can you use must for speculation?  When you feel sure about something because it’s a logical deduction. e.g. We forgot to give the dog dinner yesterday. He must be hungry now.  To make an approximate estimate e.g. Olga must be 15 cm taller than I. The negative form for this “must” is can’t. More info and exercises  Theory: SB p. 165-167  Exercises: units 2A (modals) and 9B (past modals)