Share Modal verbs - Headway - Unit 4
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He could swim when he was six.
particular success
general ability
When the boat sank, he was able to swim to the shore.
general ability
particular success
I must buy a new suit.
Outside authority
I think it's important. Inner authority
I have to buy a suit for my new job.
Outside authority.
I think it's important. Inner authority.
You should say thank you.
Neutral recommendation
Expressing annoyance because you didn't say thank you
You could at least say thank you.
Neutral recommendation
Expressing annoyance because you didn't say thank you
My dad would often make up stories for us.
past state
repeated past action
My dad used to be slim when he was young.
past state
repeated past action
We didn't need to get a visa to go to Europe.
no necessity, we may have done it or not
no necessity, but we did it
We needn't have got a visa.
no necessity, we may have done it or not
no necessity, but we did it
There may be a train strike.
future possibility
past possibility
There couldn't be a strike.
future possibility
past possibility
She may be in her 90s.
we know her age, "may" is used for contrast
we don't know her age
She may be 92, but she's very sharp.
we don't know her age
we know her age, "may" is used for contrast
I bet that app won't be expensive.
present situation
future prediction
This app won't open.
future prediction
present situation
