1. Modal Verbs
Helping verbs – they give information about the main verb.
• Necessity
• Possibility
• Permission
• Etc.

2. Modal + Simple Form
 Can: Natalie can play tennis today. (ability or
permission)
 Could: They could play the guitar.
 (Formal of “can”)
 May: It may be a nice day tomorrow.
(possibility)
 Might: It might be a nice day tomorrow.
(possibility)

3.  Should: Natalie should go outside.
 Ought to: You ought to tell her how you
feel!
 Had better: They had better be on time.
 Must: He must eat all his food.
 Have to: I really have to study for my
exam.

4. Must / Have to?
 Similar meaning about obligation
 MUST: Usually used for feelings and
wishes of the speaker.
◦ I must stop smoking. (I want to)
 HAVE TO: Usually obligations that come
from „outside‟
◦ I have to stop smoking (The doctor
ordered me)

5. Should / Ought to?
 They have the same meaning in most
situations (suggestion or
recommendation)
 SHOULD: Suggestion or advice about the
best thing for them.
◦ You should tell her how you feel.
 OUGHT TO: Suggesting something they
can‟t avoid or the last option.
◦ You ought to tell her how you feel.

6. Had better!
 Make suggestions or recommendations
◦ You had better take your umbrella with you
today.
 Warning
◦ You had better be careful with the way you talk
to me in the future!
 Show desperation (hope).
◦ The bus had better arrive on time or I‟ll be late
for work!

7. Levels of severity
 You should clean your room, it is very
messy.
 You ought to clean your room, your
girlfriend is coming to visit you.
 You had better clean your room, or you
will be grounded!