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.
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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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You know what, I can't see any cutlery in the drawer! | Sabes qué, ¡no he visto nada de cubertería en el cajón! |
I thought you might not like strong coffees. | Pensé que podrían no gustarte los cafés fuertes. |
I can't decide if I should get calamari or shrimp. | No puedo decidir si debería tomar calamares o gambas. |
I think they should be more understanding. | Creo que deberían ser más comprensivos. |
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. |
Can you do me a favour in return? | ¿Puedes hacerme un favor a cambio? |
Can't we have the meeting without the f*cking IT manager! | ¡No podemos tener la reunión sin el p*to gerente de IT! |
Umm, it must be that one with the white fence. | Umm, debe ser esa de la reja blanca. |
I can't hear you, Mike! | ¡No te oigo Mike! |
Sorry to interrupt your story, but I really have to go now! | Siento interrumpir tu historia, ¡pero me tengo que ir ahora! |
Umm, we can raise it just a little bit, like 50%. | Umm, podemos subir el precio un poquito, como 50%. |
It must be very difficult for your mum. | Debe ser muy difícil para tu madre. |
Hello, Diamond Duck, can I help you? | Hola, Diamond Duck, ¿cómo puedo ayudarle? |
I think we should move from that house as soon as we can! | ¡Creo que deberíamos mudarnos de esa casa tan pronto como podamos! |
Mike, you are cutting out, I can't hear you! | Mike, se corta, ¡no te oigo! |
I'm already scared, can you please stop with that evil thing? | Ya estoy asustada, ¿podrías por favor detenerte con eso de la maldad? |
So you can enjoy your meal till I come. | Para que puedas disfrutar de tu comida mientras regreso. |
Maybe she could even put some poison in their food! | ¡O tal vez podría poner veneno en su comida! |
Of course, but I can only peel the potatoes with a peeler. | Por supuesto, pero solo puedo pelar patatas con un pelador. |
Umm, can I do it after I smoke? | Umm, ¿puedo hacerlo después de fumar? |