Modals

Modals

Complete each sentence from the choices given

Grammar


Modals are words such as CAN, SHOULD, MUST and MAY.
They have only one form, and come before the infinitive form
of verb (without "to"):

Statements: MODAL + (NOT) + VERB

Walter CAN SPEAK three languages.
We COULDN'T PLAY tennis because it was raining.
Jerry MUSTN'T TAKE the diskette home with him.


Questions: (QUESTION WORD) + MODAL + SUBJECT + VERB

How soon CAN you FINISH the paperwork?
MAY I SEE your passport please?


HAVE TO has the same form and endings as regular verbs:

Tom DOESN'T HAVE TO WORK tonight. He HAS TO work tomorrow.
Tim and Betty HAD TO WALK home from the party.
DOES John HAVE TO work on Saturday?
Where DID you HAVE TO GO to pick up your TV?


ABLE TO uses "be" helping verbs IS, ARE, WAS, WERE, HAS BEEN, etc.

When WILL you BE ABLE TO HELP me with my homework?
WAS Barbara ABLE TO FINISH her work?
I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET a reservation for Sunday.
Mary WASN'T ABLE TO FIND the address.


Other similar expressions are OUGHT TO and HAD BETTER: