INGLS - BNDES

MODAL

MODAL VERBS

can
may
will

CARACTERSTICAS

Oxford Dictionary for Advanced Learners

CAN

1 - no tem TO na forma infinitiva :

Example : CAN , MUST , MAY
2 - no tem S nas terceiras pessoas do singular :
Example : I must study .
She must study .

Exceo :

a verb such as can, may or will that

is used with another verb (not a
modal) to express possibility,
permission, intention, etc.

have to
She has to study .

3 - quando combinados com outros verbos , no so seguidos

de TO :
Example : I must study

Exceo : have to e ought to

POSSIBILITY

ABILITY

She can speak Spanish.

Can he cook?

PERMISSION

COULD

The stadium can be emptied in four minutes

Please let us know if you cannot attend the meeting.

Can I read your newspaper?

Can I take you home?

MAY
PAST
OF
CAN

She said that she couldnt come.

I couldnt hear what they were saying.

POSSIBILITY

PERMISSION

This information may or may not be true.

She may have (= perhaps she has) missed her plane.
We may well win.

Could I use your phone, please?

Could we stop by next week?
PERMISSION
POSSIBILITY

Dont worrythey could have just forgotten to call

I could do it now, if you like.

Prof. Rafael Dupont

May I come in?

You may come in if you wish.

INGLS - BNDES

MIGHT

SHOULD
ADVICE

POSSIBILITY

They might get there in time, but I cant be sure.

I know Peter doesnt like the job, but I mightnt find it too
bad.

EXPECTATION

SUGGESTION

You might try calling the help desk

PERMISSION

ought to

You should stop worrying about it

Should I call him and apologize?

be supposed to

The bus should have arrived ten minutes ago.

It should be raining now, according to the weather
forecast.

Might I use your phone?

MUSTNT

MUST
show that sth is necessary
or very important

All visitors must report to reception.

I must go to the bank and get some money.

PROHIBITION

deduction;
logical conclusion

You must be hungry after all that walking.

Theres smoke coming out of Mauros apartment. He must
be home.

WILL

SHALL
FUTURE

talk about or
Predict the future

Youll be on time if you hurry.

How long will you be staying in Paris?
By next year all the money will have been spent.

promises and
intentions

Ill call you tonight.

I wont have dinner right now. Ill have a drink first.

Prof. Rafael Dupont

used with I and we

SUGGEST AND OFFER

What shall I wear to the party?

Shall we order some coffee?
Ill drive, shall I?
PREDICTION

You mustnt smoke in class.

Cars must not park in front of the entrance. (it is not
allowed)

This time next week I shall be in Scotland.

We shant be gone long.
INSTRUCTION

Candidates shall remain in their seats until all the papers

have been collected.

INGLS - BNDES

WOULD

HAD BETTER

polite offer
or request

recommendation
suggestion

Would you open the door for me, please?

Would you like a sandwich?

habitual past

When my parents were away, my grandmother would take

care of me.
Hed always be the first to offer to help.
= used to

WOULD RATHER

preference

Would you rather walk or take the bus?

I dont like to go out. Id rather stay home.
Shed rather die than give a speech.

Prof. Rafael Dupont

Youd better go to the doctor about your cough.

Wed better leave now or well miss the bus.
Youd better not do that again.
Ill give you back the money tomorrow. Youd better! (=
as a threat)
Id better hurry. My train leaves in 10 minutes.