4. Modals and Semi modals

 CONTENTS:

1) General things

    1.1. Modals are different from normal verbs

    1.2. Video: No more mistakes with Modals! 3 easy rules 

    1.3. Video: Modal verbs, types of modal verbs, useful list and     examples

    1.4 Video: Modals in the simple, continuous, and perfect form

2) Explanation

    2.1. Different meanings of must

3) Modals in the passive voice

4) Advanced uses: Modals and modal perfect

5) Online practice

1) General things

1.1. Modals are different from normal verbs: 

1) They don't use and 's' for the third person singular. 

2) They make questions by inversion ("she can go" becomes "can she go?")

3) They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to')

4) They are used to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, or ability.

1.2.Video: No more mistakes with Modals! 3 easy rules by Rebecca [engVid)

1.3. Video: Modal verbs, types of modal verbs, useful list and examples by English Grammar

1.4. Modals in the simple, continuous, and perfect form

2) Explanation

    2.1. Different meanings of must

        2.1.1. It is an obligation or it is forbidden

            All items of clothing must be labeled. (obligation)

            You mustn't drive over the speed limit. (forbidden)

        2.1.2. It is necessary or it isn't necessary

            She must text her friend when she gets home. (necessary)

            They don't have to / don't need to / needn't pay in advance.                                                                                     (not necessary)

        2.1.3. Certainty

            He must be delighted with his new job post. (I'm certain                                                                                     he is delighted.)

            It can't be true - I was there myself and it didn't happen                     that way. (I'm certain that it is not true.)

        

         2.1.4. It is a good or it is not good idea

            You must tell him what you think of it. (I think it's a good                                                                                 idea.)

            We shouldn't leave our bags unattended. (I don't think it's a                                                                                 good idea)

3) Modals in the passive voice

4) Advanced uses: Modals and modal perfect

4.1. Making a criticism sound less strong.

                        Jack can be quite loud at times.  

4.2. Could with a a comparative to express possibility.

                        You could do more to help local charities.  

4.3. Couldn't / couldn't have with a comparative to express impossiblity. 

                         How are you feeling?

                         I couldn't be better! 

    4.4. Informal: When there is no better alternative.

                           The show has been cancelled, so we might / may as well go out for dinner.  

       4.5. Making criticism.

You might ask / might have asked before taking the car keys. 

       4.6. Making a polite suggestion or giving advice.

                        I'm afraid we're fully booked tonight, but you might                          try tomorrow night.

       4.7. When something is right / expected, to show strong                             agreement.  

                        That awful tourism agency is going to refund us. 

                        I should think so too!

5) Online practice

- Choose the right modal verb

- Present and past of modals

- Meaning of modals

- Modals of prohibition and lack of necessity

- Modals of probability 2

- Could have, should have, would have

- Modal verbs of obligation

- Modal verbs mixed exercise