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.
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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.
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"Be able to" can be used in the present, past, future, present perfect and as a gerund or infinitive.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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It's already scary dear, you don't have to make it scarier! | 本来就很可怕了,亲爱的,你不用把它变得更可怕! |
Or maybe we can just ask them when we see them in the house? | 或者是我们在房子里见他们时,就问下他们? |
I think the chicken must be ready by now. | 我觉得鸡肉现在肯定已经好了。 |
Umm, I guess it must be in zone-2... | 嗯,我猜它一定在2区... |
I can understand that. | 对此我可以理解。 |
Really? The walls are in very bad condition, they have to be re-painted... | 真的吗?墙的状况很差,不得不重新粉刷... |
Then I can start peeling the potatoes. | 然后我就可以开始削土豆皮了。 |
I thought I could look for more houses before my second appointment. | 我觉得自己可以在去看第二个房子前,再找更多的房子。 |
When can I pick up my money?! | 我什么时候能拿到我的钱?! |
Could it be anywhere else? | 餐具是放在其他地方了吗? |
But I have to finish doing everything today. | 但是我今天要把事情都做完。 |
You should, it might be more helpful to find some houses around here. | 你应该去,那可能对你找这里附近的房子更有帮助。 |
Yes, but don't touch it, it must be very hot. | 是的,但是别碰它,一定非常热。 |
Okay, I can make an appointment for you at 1 o'clock. | 可以,我可以把预约定在1点钟。 |
But I wonder what it says, can you show it to me, too? | 但是我想知道它是怎么说的,能让我也看下吗? |
You must work very hard. | 你肯定工作非常努力。 |
You are going to ask me if I can take Bear out. | 你要问我是否能把大熊带出去。 |
I have to go home and check on Pogo first. | 我必须回家先看一下波哥。 |
Hmm, well, I guess I have to think about it. | 嗯,好吧,我觉得我需要考虑一下。 |
But he can't walk on it. | 但是他就是无法正常行走。 |