In English we use should / shouldn't /ought to / oughtn't to give advice. We use should / ought to to say something is a good thing to do and shouldn't / oughtn't to say something is a bad thing to do.
Example sentences :
Note : To ask for advice we can say: What should I do?
In English, "can" is a modal verb and only has a present, past and conditional form. It can also be used with a future meaning.
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Note : Can is not used to talk about specific possibilities.
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In English, could is used to talk about past ability/ permission/ possibility.
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"Be able to" can be used in the present, past, future, present perfect and as a gerund or infinitive.
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Note : be able to in the present and past is more formal than can or could.
In English we use might or may to say something in the future is possible, but not decided.
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To make questions with might we usually use Do you think...?
Example questions :
In English we can also use might in short answers.
Example short answers :
In English we use have to + infinitive to say something is necessary or obligatory. We normally use have to for a general obligation from an outside source, such as work or the law.
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In English we use don't have to + infinitive to say something is not necessary or obligatory. It means you can if you want to, but it's not necessary.
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To make questions we use do/does.
Example questions :
Form : ( Must + infinitive without to )
In English we use must + infinitive to talk about rules and obligations. We normally use must when the speaker imposes the obligation, such as a teacher to students, or even to yourself.
Form : ( Mustn't + infinitive without to )
In English we use mustn't + infinitive to say something is prohibited.
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Note : You can often use can't or be + not allowed to instead of mustn't.
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Note : Mustn't and don't have to have completely different meanings.
Mustn't Vs Don't Have To
Note : Have to is a normal verb and exists in all tenses whereas must is a modal verb and its only forms are must and mustn't.
You can also use have to and must for strong recommendations.
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In English we use must when we are sure something is true.
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In English we use may or might when we think something is possibly true.
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In English we use can't when we are sure something is impossible.
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Note : In this context, the opposite of must is can't, NOT mustn't!
In the past, can't, could, may, might and must for probability change to can't have, could have, may have, might have and must have + past participle (Verb 3).
In the past, should and ought to change to should have and ought to have + past participle (Verb 3).
Note : the form of "must" for obligation and "can" are exceptions.
Must for obligation changes to had to + infinitive
Can changes to could or was able to
Modal example sentences | |
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No, all the cutlery should be in the top drawer! | |
It's not easy, but not impossible, in the end, you can get it. | |
Can he walk properly now? | |
I don't think they can legally be married! | |
Hello guys, I can hear you shouting from upstairs. | |
That's better, we can get some thighs. | |
Plus I really have to have a shower. | |
Have you watched A.I.? It's quite violent, too, you might like it. | |
Yes, but don't touch it, it must be very hot. | |
I have finished my wine, we can leave any time you want. | |
You are going to ask me if I can take Bear out. | |
I can't find my bra, can you see it? | |
Umm, I guess it must be in zone-2... | |
Yes, sorry, I have to run! | |
The train leaves in a few minutes, we should get on soon. | |
Just a sec, I printed the recipe, I have to find it in my bag. | |
Umm, it must be that one with the white fence. | |
Okay, can you tell me what it is, then? | |
Really? The walls are in very bad condition, they have to be re-painted... | |
Yeah, so how can you set wood on fire? |