Modal VerbsHelping verbs – they give information about the main verb.

• Necessity• Possibility• Permission

• Etc.

Modal + Simple Form

Can: Natalie can play tennis today. (ability or permission)

Could: They could play the guitar.(Formal of “can”)

May: It may be a nice day tomorrow. (possibility)

Might: It might be a nice day tomorrow. (possibility)

Should: Natalie should go outside.

Ought to: You ought to tell her how you feel!

Had better: They had better be on time.

Must: He must eat all his food.

Have to: I really have to study for my exam.

Must / Have to?

Similar meaning about obligationMUST: Usually used for feelings and

wishes of the speaker.◦I must stop smoking. (I want to)

HAVE TO: Usually obligations that come from ‘outside’◦I have to stop smoking (The doctor ordered me)

Should / Ought to?

They have the same meaning in most situations (suggestion or recommendation)

SHOULD: Suggestion or advice about the best thing for them.◦You should tell her how you feel.

OUGHT TO: Suggesting something they can’t avoid or the last option.◦You ought to tell her how you feel.

Had better!

Make suggestions or recommendations◦You had better take your umbrella with you

today.

Warning◦You had better be careful with the way you talk

to me in the future!

Show desperation (hope).◦The bus had better arrive on time or I’ll be late

for work!

Levels of severity

You should clean your room, it is very messy.

You ought to clean your room, your girlfriend is coming to visit you.

You had better clean your room, or you will be grounded!