Grammar Modal Verbs Flashcards
Could (do)
1-Sometimes could is the past of can
I listened. I could hear something. (past)
2-We also use could to talk about possible actions now or in the future (especially to make suggestions).
What would you like to do tonight?
For example:
• A: What would you like to do tonight?
B: We could go to the movies.
• A: When you go to New York next month, you could stay with Candice.
B: Yes, I guess I could (Could is less sure than can).
3- not realistic (I’m so tired, I could sleep for a week.)
4- meaning is similar to might or may
The story could be true, but I don’t think it is. (not can be true)
I don’t know what time Liz is coming. She could get here at any time.
Could have (done)
The situation was bad, but it could have been worse. (past)
Dave was lucky. He could have hurt himself when he fell, but he’s OK.
We use couldn’t to say that something would not be possible now:
The trip was canceled last week. Paul couldn’t have gone anyway because he was sick.
Must be ( sure about sth) but can use for possible)
For the past, we use must (not) have done:
We use must to say that we feel sure something is true: You’ve been traveling all day. You must be tired.
We use must not to say that we feel sure something is not true: Their car isn’t outside their house. They must not be home.
There’s nobody at home. They must have gone out.
May,might= could
Might, may be (verb+ing)
I might be going to Tehran. I might go to Tehran (future): possibly—— I will be going to Tehran. I will go to Tehran ( sure)
May(might) as well: بهتره
I might as well go home and come back.
• Rents are so high these days, you may as well buy a house.
We use may or might to say that something is a possibility. Usually, you can use may or y
• It may be true. or It might be true. (- perhaps it is true)
• She might know. or She may know.
The negative forms are may not and might not:
It may not be true. (= perhaps it isn’t true)
She might not work here any more. (= perhaps she doesn’t work here)
For the past we use may have done or might have done:
A: I wonder why Kate didn’t answer the phone.
B: She may have been asleep. (= perhaps she was asleep)
• A: I can’t find my bag anywhere.
B: You might have left it in the store.
Should do= ought to do
Should be doing ( present continuous)
Should have done (past)
I think the government should do more to reduce crime.
I don’t think you should work so hard.
You shouldn’t do something = it isn’t a good thing to do:
“Do you think I should apply for this job?”
• The price on this package is wrong. It should be $1.29, not $1.59.
That man on the motorcycle should be wearing a helmet.
I wonder why they’re so late. They should have been here an hour ago.
demand
insist
propose
recommend
suggest
Insist on (doing)
Suggest (doing)
It’s imperative to do
• I insisted he have dinner with us.
The doctor recommended that I rest for a few days.
• John demanded that Lisa apologize to him.
What do you suggest I do?
The negative is not + base form (I not be, you not leave, she not go, etc.):
The doctor strongly recommended that I not go to work for two days.
It’s very important that you not miss this appointment with your eye doctor.
They insisted on paying for dinner. (see Unit 60A)
• It is a beautiful evening, so I suggest going for a walk.
It’s imperative for the government to do something about health care.
