Should I / Could I / Do I have to ... arrrgghhh?

In this post you will

1. learn the meaning of the different modal verbs

2. learn the form in sentences and questions

3. see them in an essay

English is crazy sometimes?

But you need to learn how to use these little verbs - they are called - are you ready for the boring teacher word - MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS.

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Here is a table that helps you understand the difference between ...

• can

• could

• might

• would

cancouldwould

.docx

Download DOCX • 17KB

But what about ...

• should

• must

• have to

• don't have to

• need to

• be supposed to

Watch this video lesson to learn how to use these modal verbs properly. You have to understand the MEANING - whether the speaker/writer wants to mean...

ABILITY	OBLIGATION	NECESSITY	PROBABILITY	CERTAINTY
can	must	must	can	might
could	should	have (got) to	could	may
be able to	have (got) to	need to	might	could
	need to		may	must
	be supposed to
	NO OBLIGATION don't have to	NO NEED don't have/need to

But can you put these modal verbs into questions?

information questions

yes no questions

You know what to do. Watch the video lesson and speak with me.

And finally here is an example of a body paragraph in the following essay. Notice all the modal verbs and expressions. You really MUST learn how to use modal verbs in your writing to not only pass your test, but also communicate in English.

Many people nowadays exercise at a gym to keep fit and healthy. Other people say this is not necessary and eating the right diet is better. What do you think?

The healthy and fitness industry is booming. Not only athletes, but also everyday people buy sports equipment and gym memberships to try and keep fit. They believe that they can lose weight and improve their health by exercising every day. Some gym owners might argue that people must lift weights or run long distances to stay strong. Doctors also encourage their patients to do regular exercise for healthy bones. Also, sports companies like Nike promote exercise. They claim that being strong through fitness might improve mental health. Therefore, everyone should participate in fitness exercises.

Don't forget I have loads of FREE video lessons on my YouTube channel and I also offer IELTS video courses for speaking and writing.

I'm here to help. Ruth