CHAPTER
Modal Auxiliaries
I CONTENTS - - -
The form of modal auxiliaries
Expressing ability: can and could
Expressing possibility: may and might
Expressing permission: may and can
Using could to express possibility
Polite questions: may I, could I,
can I
Polite questions: would you, could
you, will you, can you
Expressing advice: should and
ought to
Expressing advice: had better7-9 Expressing necessity: have to, have
got to, must
7-10 Expressing lack of necessity: do not
have to
Expressing prohibition: must not
7-1 1 Making logical conclusions: must
7-12 Giving instructions: imperative
sentences
7-1 3 Making suggestions: let's and why
don't
7-14 Stating preferences: prefer, like...
better, would ratherC1 EXERCISE 1. Preview: modal auxiliaries. (Chapter 7)
Directions: Complete the sentences with to, if possible. If not, write 0. Discuss the
meanings of the helping verbs in imlics.
A: I've made a terrible mistake! I put the wrong numbers in my report. My report
shows that the company made lots of money, but the truth is we lost money. What am
I going to dol? Should I [d 1 tell the boss about the accounting error?
B: Of course! You haw tell her. That error could get the company
2 3
in big trouble.
A: I know that I ought be honest about it, but I'm afraid she'll get angry. She
4
might fire me. Muld you go with me to see her?
5 6
B: I think you had beaer do this yourself. You can do it.
7 8
I'm sure the boss will understand. You've got be brave.
9 10
A: No, you must go with me. I can't face her alone.
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