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I Functions of modal verbs with the Simple infinitives

1. We express ability with:

can (ability in the present or future) – e.g. Can you swim? No, I can't. I can run fast though.

could (general ability in the past) – e.g. She could dance for hours when she was young. (repeated action)

was able to (= managed to) (ability in the past for a single action, achievement) – e.g. He was able to win the race. (single action)

Can is the Present Simple form and could is the Past Simple. Can borrows the rest of its tenses from the verb phrase “be able to”. e.g. She hasn't been able to finish it yet. (Present Perfect)

1.1 Complete the sentences with can / can't / could / couldn't + one of these verbs:

Come eat hear run sleep wait

1. I'm afraid I can't come to your party next week.

2. When Tim was 16, he was a fast runner. He _____ ____ 100 metres in 11 seconds.

3. 'Are you in a hurry?' 'No, I've got plenty of time. I _____ ____.'

4. I was feeling sick yesterday. I _____ ____ anything.

5. Can you speak up a bit? I _____ ____ you very well.

6. 'You look tired.' 'Yes, I _____ ____ last night.'

1.2 Write these sentences using the correct form of can, could, or be able to:

1. I _________ see you tomorrow.

2. It was too expensive – I _________ buy it.

3. _________ I have a word with you, please?

4. I generally leave work at six, but I _________ leave earlier on Fridays.

5. _________ you help me carry this downstairs?

6. (she) _________ come to the office tomorrow?

7. I tried to see her, but I _________ .

8. It was so heavy that I _________ lift it.

9. I _________ come tomorrow, I'm afraid. I'm too busy.

10. (you) _________ contact your parents yesterday?

11. He _________ (not) work since his illness.

2. We express possibility / probability with:

may = might = could (possibility) – e.g. He may be back before noon. (It's possible.); There might be some cheese in the fridge. (It's possible.); He could still be at home. (It's possible.)

must, can’t (probability) – e.g. They look alike. They must be twins. (I think they are twins.); You have been sleeping all day. You can't be tired. (I don't think it's possible that you are tired.)

can he be? – e.g. Can he still be at work? (is it possible?)

Although might is the past form of may it can be used for present situations too. May borrows the rest of its tenses from the verb phrase “be allowed to”. e.g. He has not been allowed to enter the building.

2.1 Put in must or can't:

1. You've been travelling all day. You must be very tired.

2. That restaurant ____ be very good. It's always full of people.

3. That restaurant ____ be very good. It's always empty.

4. You're going on holiday next week. You ____ be looking forward to it.

5. It rained every day during their holiday, so they ____ have had a very nice time.

6. Congratulations on passing your exam. You ____ be very pleased.

7. You got here very quickly. You ____ have walked very fast.

8. Bill and Sue go away on holiday very often, so they ____ be short of money.

2.2 Rewrite the sentences using must or can’t:

1. I’m sure she is at home. – She must be at home.

2. I’m certain you are crazy.

3. I know that isn’t Janet – she’s in America.

4. I’m sure she thinks I’m stupid.

5. I bet I look silly in this coat.

6. They’re always buying new cars – I’m certain they make a lot of money.

7. I’m sure he’s not a teacher – he is too well-dressed.

8. You are an architect? I’m sure that’s an interesting job.

9. I’m sure you are not serious. I know you’re joking.

10. I’m sure he’s got another woman: he keeps coming late.

2.3 Write sentences with may or might:

1. Where are you going for your holidays? (to Ireland???) I haven't decided yet. I may go to Ireland.

2. What sort of car are you going to buy? (a Mercedes???) I'm not sure yet. I ____.

3. What are you doing this weekend? (go to London???) I haven't decided yet. I ____.

4. Where are you going to hang that picture? (in the dining room???) I haven't made up my mind yet. I ____.

5. When is Tom coming to see us? (on Saturday???) I don't know yet. He ____.

6. What is Julia going to do when she leaves school? (go to university???) She hasn't decided yet. She ____.