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Modal verbs – Exercise 423
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Meaning of the basic modal verbs and "have to" in a table
Verb
Negative form
Meaning
Examples
can
cannot (can't)
abilities, physical or intellectual
a possibility to do something
I can speak German. You can run fast.
I can help you. He can call a cab.
must
mustn't
must — need to
mustn't — wrong, not acceptable
I must hurry or I'll be late.
Son, you mustn't behave like this.
should
shouldn't
recommendation, it is a good thing to
I think ... should / I don't think ... should
It's an interesting video. You should watch it.
I don't think you should care about it.
may/might
may not/might not
be allowed, have a permission
something is probable but not completely sure
You may not speak loudly in a library.
Dan might not come tomorrow. He says he might have some other plans.
have to
not have to
have to — obligation, necessity
not have to — no need
We didn't have money for the taxi so we had to walk home.
It is the same contract as last year. You don't have to read it again.
Confirm your action
You can continue this exercise later on from the point where you stopped.