In English we use should / shouldn't /ought to / oughtn't to give advice. We use should / ought to to say something is a good thing to do and shouldn't / oughtn't to say something is a bad thing to do.
Example sentences :
Note : To ask for advice we can say: What should I do?
In English, "can" is a modal verb and only has a present, past and conditional form. It can also be used with a future meaning.
Example sentences :
Note : Can is not used to talk about specific possibilities.
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In English, could is used to talk about past ability/ permission/ possibility.
Example sentences :
"Be able to" can be used in the present, past, future, present perfect and as a gerund or infinitive.
Example sentences :
Note : be able to in the present and past is more formal than can or could.
In English we use might or may to say something in the future is possible, but not decided.
Example sentences :
To make questions with might we usually use Do you think...?
Example questions :
In English we can also use might in short answers.
Example short answers :
In English we use have to + infinitive to say something is necessary or obligatory. We normally use have to for a general obligation from an outside source, such as work or the law.
Examples sentences :
In English we use don't have to + infinitive to say something is not necessary or obligatory. It means you can if you want to, but it's not necessary.
Example sentences :
To make questions we use do/does.
Example questions :
Form : ( Must + infinitive without to )
In English we use must + infinitive to talk about rules and obligations. We normally use must when the speaker imposes the obligation, such as a teacher to students, or even to yourself.
Form : ( Mustn't + infinitive without to )
In English we use mustn't + infinitive to say something is prohibited.
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Note : You can often use can't or be + not allowed to instead of mustn't.
Example sentences :
Note : Mustn't and don't have to have completely different meanings.
Mustn't Vs Don't Have To
Note : Have to is a normal verb and exists in all tenses whereas must is a modal verb and its only forms are must and mustn't.
You can also use have to and must for strong recommendations.
Example sentences :
In English we use must when we are sure something is true.
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In English we use may or might when we think something is possibly true.
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In English we use can't when we are sure something is impossible.
Examples sentences :
Note : In this context, the opposite of must is can't, NOT mustn't!
In the past, can't, could, may, might and must for probability change to can't have, could have, may have, might have and must have + past participle (Verb 3).
In the past, should and ought to change to should have and ought to have + past participle (Verb 3).
Note : the form of "must" for obligation and "can" are exceptions.
Must for obligation changes to had to + infinitive
Can changes to could or was able to
Modal example sentences | |
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Mike, can you hear me? | マイク、聞こえますか? |
I thought I could look for more houses before my second appointment. | 2 件目のアポの前にもっと家を見れるかなと思ったんだけど。 |
The train leaves in a few minutes, we should get on soon. | 電車はあと数分で発車するよ、僕たちすぐに乗ったほうがいい。 |
Just a sec, I printed the recipe, I have to find it in my bag. | ちょっと待ってね、レシピを印刷したのよ、バッグの中にあるの。 |
Why do you have to finish everything today? | どうして今日中に全部終わらせないといけないんだい? |
No, you have to bring your own or buy new ones, dear. | いいえ。あなたたち、ご自分のものを持ってくるか新しいのを買わないとだめよ。 |
We can use the queue that goes faster. | 進むのが早い方の列を使えるさ。 |
But I have to finish doing everything today. | でも私は今日中に全部終わらせないと。 |
I'm sorry, I can't go any lower than 175! | 悪いけど、175 より安くはできないよ! |
Umm... I'm sorry, but I can't find a booking in that name. | あの… 申し訳ありませんが、そのお名前でのご予約はないようです。 |
I think they should be more understanding. | 彼らはもっと理解をするべきだと思うな。 |
That's better, we can get some thighs. | そっちのがいいな、モモ肉を買えるよ。 |
I can use incense for the smell... | 臭い消しにお香を焚けば… |
Sorry Mike, I can't hear you, I have to hang up. | マイクごめんなさい、何も聞こえないわ。電話を切らなきゃ。 |
I use gumtree.com, are there any others you can recommend? | gumtree.com を使ってるわ。何か他にお勧めがあるの? |
We can do it whenever you like. | いつでも君が好きな時に出来るさ。 |
Can you separate your clothes, then? | それじゃあお洋服を分けてくれる? |
After I finish unpacking my suitcase, we can put them in there. | 私のスーツケースの荷ほどきが終わったら、その中に入れましょ。 |
It's not easy, but not impossible, in the end, you can get it. | それは簡単じゃないわ、でも不可能でもないわ。最終的にもらえるわよ。 |
Yes, it should be hidden somewhere in the top drawer. | あぁ、それはどこか一番上の引き出しの中に隠れているはずだ。 |