CERTAIN: MUST AND CAN’T PERSONAL OBLIGATION: MUST

I’m sure Peter is a doctor It’s essential I study hard for my exams
Peter must be a doctor. I must study hard for my exams.
I’m sure Mary isn’t at home. EXTERNAL OBLIGATION: HAVE TO
Mary can’t be at home. It’s necessary for us to go to the doctor
PROBABLE: MAY We had to go to the doctor.
Perhaps he is at university. PROHIBITION: MUSTN’T
He may be at university. You aren’t allowed to smoke here.
POSSIBLE: MIGHT You mustn’t smoke here.
It’s possible we go to the cinema. LACK OF OBLIGATION: DON’T HAVE
We might go to the cinema. TO OR NEEDN’T
ABILITY PRESENT AND PAST: CAN It isn’t necessary for you to go to the
OR COULD bank.
She was able to swim when she was 5 You don’t have to go to the bank.
She could swim when she was 5. ASK PERMISSION: CAN, MAY AND
ADVICE: SHOULD OR OUGHT TO COULD
It’s advisable not to spend many hours in Can I go to the toilet?
front of computers.
We shouldn’t spend many hours in front
of computers.

WORDS THAT CAN HELP YOU TO REWRITE SENTENCES USING MODAL VERBS
1. To be sure / to be certain / to be bound to
must in affirmative sentences
can’t in negative sentences
2. Probably / possibly / perhaps / Maybe
may might can could
3. To be forbidden / to be prohibited
Mustn’t
4. To be obliged to / obligatory / compulsory
must have to
5. Not to be necessary / compulsory / obligatory
Needn’t Don’t have to
6. To suggest / to advise / to warn / If I were you / In your place / In my opinion
Should ought to
7. To let / to allow / to permit
Can may
8. Ability
a. present: can or am / is / are able to past: could or was / were able to
9. Requests
a. Can could may I / may we
REWRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES USING MODAL VERBS

1. Perhaps John is at the party, but I'm not sure.

2. It isn't necessary for us to book a table; it’s a very big restaurant.

3. It’s forbidden to drive without fastening your seatbelt.

4 .It's impossible that they know about the party.

5. If I were you, I'd study hard.

6. Perhaps I go on holiday to New York.

7. I'm sure Peter is at the doctor’s.

8 .It's compulsory for all students to attend lessons.

9. It’s possible that they move to Spain.

10. I'm sure Peter knows about the accident. He looks sad.

11. Perhaps he buys a new car.

12. You are not allowed to use the phone at school.

13. If I were you, I go to the doctor’s.

14. I'm sure she doesn’t take the key.

15. Perhaps I start a new career.

16. It is not necessary for you to tell Mary..

17. It’s compulsory for all visitors to buy a ticket.

18. Do you want me to open the window?

19. I am able to play the piano.

20. She wasn’t able to swim when she was 3.

21. I advise him to be more careful.

22. Perhaps it will rain tomorrow.

23. It’s not obligatory for you to be here.

KEY TO REWRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES USING MODAL VERBS

1. John must be at the party.

2. We don’t have to / needn’t book a table.
3. You mustn’t drive without fastening your seatbelt.
4. They can’t know about the party.
5. You should study hard.
6. I may / might go on holiday to New York.
7. Peter must be at the doctor’s.
8. All students must attend lessons.
9. They may move to Spain.
10. Peter must know about the accident.
11. He may buy a new car.
12. You can’t use the phone at school.
13. You should go to the doctor’s.
14. She can’t take the key.
15. I may start a new career.
16. You don’t have to / needn’t tell Mary.
17. All visitors have to buy a ticket.
18. Can I open the window ?
19. I can’t play the piano.
20. She couldn’t swim when she was 3.
21. He should / ought to be more careful.
22. It may rain tomorrow.
23.You don’t have to / needn’t be here.