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.
Example sentences :
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.
Examples sentences :
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.
Example sentences :
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.
Example sentences :
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.
Examples sentences :
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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Okay, but can we talk about when to meet first? | Claro, ¿pero podemos acordar primero a qué hora nos reuniremos? |
They must be right. | Deben tener razón. |
And I can hold Bear, we can let them sniff each other first. | Y yo puedo aguantar a Bear, podemos dejar que se huelan uno al otro primero. |
I don't know, she could do anything! | No lo sé, ¡podría hacer cualquier cosa! |
Hmm, well, I guess I have to think about it. | Hmm, bueno, supongo que tengo que pensarlo. |
Haven't decided yet, but you can call me when you finish. | No hemos decidido todavía, pero puedes llamarme cuando termines. |
I don't like bank holidays, we still have to work tomorrow! | No me gustan los feriados bancarios, ¡todavía tenemos que trabajar mañana! |
We could use theirs for once. | Podríamos usar las suyas por una vez. |
So you can enjoy your meal till I come. | Para que puedas disfrutar de tu comida mientras regreso. |
But we have to leave now. | Pero tenemos que irnos ya. |
Okay, can you tell me what it is, then? | Vale, ¿puedes decirme qué es, entonces? |
The burglar might like it. | Al ladrón podría gustarle. |
I can't find my underwear, either! | ¡Tampoco puedo encontrar mi ropa interior! |
I have finished my wine, we can leave any time you want. | He terminado el vino, podemos marcharnos cuando quieras. |
Okay, I can make an appointment for you at 1 o'clock. | De acuerdo, puedo hacer una cita para usted a la 1 en punto. |
As you might know, you should always keep an eye on your stuff at pubs. | Como debes saber, siempre tienes que mantener tus cosas a la vista cuando estás en un pub. |
By just paying a little bit more you could've rented a house in better condition. | Solo pagando un poco más podrías haber alquilado una casa en mejores condiciones. |
Yeah, maybe next time you can put that as a note on the ad. | Sí, tal vez para la siguiente ocasión puedes poner eso como una nota en el anuncio. |
You are going to ask me if I can take Bear out. | Vas a pedirme si puedo sacar a pasear a Bear. |
Can you please stop being stupid, dear? | ¿Puedes dejar de ser estúpido, querido? |