MODALS

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MODALS
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PERMISSION, THEORETICAL POSSIBILITY, LACK OF
OBLIGATION, DEDUCTION, WEAK OBLIGATION, STRONG
OBLIGATION, PROHIBITION, ABILITY

• Couples can miss each other when separated.
• She could read before she started school.
• Ive got to finish this work before 10.
• You cant smoke in here.
• You ought to take better care of your dog.
• You must have had a great holiday. You look
  great.
• You neednt come to the airport with me.
• Can I use your car?

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Speculate It may be/ might be/ must be/ could
be...
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Speculate
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PAST MODALS

• I should have talked to him but I didnt have
  time.
• You should have told me you were coming.
• They ought to have informed us of the change.
• It could have ended in disaster.
• You neednt have gone to so much trouble.
• You might have warned me.
• She must have given it to sb else.
• She cant have left already!
• She may have read it before.
• He couldnt have done. He wasnt even there!

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• They might/ may/ must / cant have................

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(No Transcript)
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• If the teacher spoke a little more slowly,...
• If the roads werent so icy,
• If you didnt live so far away,
• if I werent so busy.
• If the traffic hadnt been so heavy,
• If we had a bit more time,
• If we had the right materials for the job,

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• She doesnt always remember everything (quite
  forgetful)
• Holidays abroad arent necessarily expensive
  (quite cheap)
• Racial harmony isnt always easy to achieve
  (difficult)
• English cooking isnt necessarily bad. (in fact,
  excellent)

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Make these sentences more English

• Perhaps you will find you have made a mistake.
• It is just conceivable that we shall get an
  answer tomorrow.
• Owing to the strike, trains will possibly be
  subject to delays.
• We shall possibly find we cant get
  accommodation.
• He will perhaps be able to advise you better than
  I can.

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Concessive MAYAlthough my job is demanding, at
least it isnt boring.My job may be demanding,
but at least it isnt boring.

• 1. Although this restaurant is expensive, the
  cuisine is excellent.
• Although this method is crude, its certainly
  effective.
• Although hes old, he isnt by any means senile.
• Although he acted unwisely, he was at least
  trying.
• Although I was rude to him, I feel he gave me
  every justification.
• Although the climb was exhausting, the view from
  the top made it well worth while.

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Sarcastic mightYou might look where youre
going!

• Perhaps you would let me tomorrow.
• I wish he would be a little more tactful.
• Im annoyed that you didnt warn me the car was
  out of petrol.
• Im annoyed that she doesnt keep her room
  reasonably tidy.

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SituationsMost likely explanation

• His fiancée writes to him every day. She must.
• I dont seem to have my key with me. I must
  have..
• He has no idea what the book is about. He cant
  have
• She didnt reply to the letter. She cant
  have.
• He talks about going to the moon next year. He
  must
• Im amazed they got married so soon. She cant
  have.
• They havent been on speaking terms recently.
• They must have

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SHOULD in adverbial clauses after SO THAT, IN
ORDER THAT, LEST, IN CASEI have put everything
in writing SO THAT you SHOULD know exactly how
things stand.

• He left the letter on the hall table. He wanted
  me to be sure of seeing it when I came in. (so
  that)
• The two students talked in undertones. They
  didnt want the teacher to overhear what they
  were saying. (so that)
• The police issued a warning. They wanted the
  public to be aware of the danger. (in order that
• Im taking an umbrella. It may rain (in case)
• He keeps his wifes jewels in the bank. He fears
  the house may be burgled. (lest)
• Ill give you my phone number. You may want to
  get in touch with me again. (in case)

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SHOULD in Its odd/essential/curious/splendidIts
odd you should mention his name.

• Quite naturally, youre upset about whats
  happened.
• Its incredible! Weve been living in the same
  street for two years and have never got to know
  each other.
• You missed the one talk worth hearing. What a
  pity!
• You have to pay so much tax. Its crazy!
• Look over the agreement. Its essential.
• How splendid! Youll be coming to live near us.
• Emergency supplies must reach the area quickly.
  This is vital.