Understanding Modal Verbs

What is the difference between 'can' and 'may'?

• 'Can' refers to permission; 'may' refers to ability.

• 'Can' indicates possibility; 'may' indicates certainty.

• 'Can' is used for requests; 'may' is used for offers.

• 'Can' refers to ability; 'may' refers to permission.

When should you use 'must' in a sentence?

• 'Must' is used to indicate a past event.

• You should use 'must' when indicating obligation or necessity.

• You should use 'must' to express a suggestion.

• You can use 'must' to show uncertainty or doubt.

Can 'should' express obligation?

• Yes, 'should' can express obligation.

• 'Should' is used exclusively for suggestions.

• 'Should' cannot imply any form of obligation.

• No, 'should' only indicates advice.

In what context would you use 'have to'?

• To describe a past event or experience.

• To express a suggestion or recommendation.

• To express obligation or necessity.

• To indicate a possibility or chance.

Is 'may' used for permission or ability?

• Request

• Permission

• Ability

• Suggestion

How does 'can' differ from 'could'?

• 'Can' is used for permission; 'could' is for requests.

• 'Can' is a formal term; 'could' is informal.

• 'Can' is used for future ability; 'could' is for present ability.

• 'Can' indicates present ability; 'could' indicates past ability or hypothetical situations.

When is it appropriate to use 'should' for advice?

• 'Should' is appropriate for expressing uncertainty.

• 'Should' is used for advice when recommending a beneficial course of action.

• 'Should' is used for making demands.

• 'Should' is used to describe past actions.

What are some examples of 'must' indicating necessity?

• You must finish your homework before playing video games.

• You must eat dessert before dinner.

• Examples of 'must' indicating necessity include: 'You must wear a seatbelt,' 'Students must submit assignments by Friday,' and 'You must have a valid passport.'

• You must always wear sunglasses indoors.

Can 'may' be used to express a possibility?

• No, 'may' cannot express a possibility.

• Yes, 'may' can be used to express a possibility.

• 'May' is synonymous with 'must' in all contexts.

• 'May' is only used for permission, not possibility.

How do 'have to' and 'must' compare in terms of obligation?

• 'Have to' and 'must' are interchangeable in all contexts.

• 'Have to' is used only in informal situations.

• 'Must' indicates a suggestion rather than an obligation.

• 'Have to' is generally used for external obligations, whereas 'must' is used for internal obligations.