Suggestions are like weak advice when you use the modals could and might.  The verb that follows must be in the simple form.  Compare the following:

You must go see the dentist.  (the strongest advice)

You have to go see the dentist.  (the strongest advice)

You’d better go see the dentist.  (strong advice)

You should go see the dentist.  (regular advice)

You ought to go see the dentist.  (regular advice)

You could go see the dentist, if you wanted to.  (weak advice, more like a suggestion)

You might consider seeing the dentist.  (weak advice, more like a suggestion)

More examples with could and might:
You could apologize to her for forgetting your anniversary.
You could come early and help me set up the room.
You could take her to a movie for your first date.
You might try listening more carefully next time.
You might consider taking guitar lessons.
You might want to change your clothes before you go out.

When there’s nothing better to do that you can think of, use might as well or may as well.

Examples:
You might as well stop now and continue in the morning.  (You think it’s the best thing to do)
You may as well start over from the beginning.   (You think it’s the best thing to do)

Other ways to make suggestions:

Why don’t you/we/I is a question and is followed by a verb in the simple form.

Examples:
Why don’t you go clean up before dinner?
Why don’t we finish this first and then go eat?
Why don’t I make a reservation for this evening?

How about (also pronounced how ’bout) is a question and is followed by a gerund or if plus a subject and verb.

Examples:
How about going to the movies tonight?
How about if we go to the movies tonight?

How about learning how to drive?
How about if you learn how to drive?

Let’s and shall we are used when you include yourself.  Shall we is a question.

Examples:
Let’s take a break and go for lunch.
Shall we take a break and go for lunch?

Let’s get out of here.
Shall we get out of here?

NOTE:  Let’s = let us

Study this page and when you think you’re ready, do the following exercise.

There is really no difference between the modals may, might and could when you’re expressing possibility.  In the following examples, you can substitute any of these three modals.  The verb that follows these modals is in the simple form.

May:

Examples:
They say it may rain tomorrow. (It’s possible that it will rain.)
The jury may decide that he’s innocent.
That may be true, but I don’t think so.  (It’s possible that it is true.)
(Note: may and be are both verbs, but maybe is an adverb and cannot be used in this sentence.)

In the negative, may not means that it’s possible that something is not true.

Examples:
They may not be in the classroom now.  (It’s possible that they aren’t in the classroom now.)
It may not work, but you can try.  (It’s possible that it won’t work.)
(Note:  The negative of may is never mayn’t.  It is always may not.)

Might:

Examples:
I might be late for the meeting tomorrow.
He might have some extra money he could lend you.
It might snow this Saturday..

In the negative, might not means that it’s possible that something is not true.

Examples:
He might not know the answer.  (It’s possible that he doesn’t know the answer.)
Her mother said she might not come to the party.  (It’s possible that she won’t come to the party.)
(Note:  In standard English the negative of might is might not, not mightn’t.)

Could:

Examples:
She’s not here yet.  She could be stuck in traffic.
This blog could make you famous.
This could take a while, so come back tomorrow.

In the negative, could not has a different meaning than may not or might not.  It means that it’s impossible that something is true, NOT it’s possible that something isn’t true.

Examples:
He could not remember her name.  (It was impossible for him to remember her name.)
We couldn’t stay long because we had to study for a test.  (It was impossible for us to stay long.)

Must be and have to be are used for a strong possibility.  They are used when making a strong guess based on evidence.

Must be:

Examples:
You’ve been driving all night.  You must be tired.  (evidence = you’ve been driving all night.)
He’s not at work this week.  He must be on vacation.  (evidence = he’s not at work.)
She must be in love.  I’ve never seen her so happy.  (evidence = she’s so happy.)

In the negative, must not is used for a negative guess based on evidence.  It can be used with verbs other than be.

Examples:
I must not be very smart.  I can’t figure out this problem.  (evidence = I can’t figure out this problem.)
I called her, but she didn’t answer.  Her phone must not work.  (evidence = she didn’t answer.)

Have to be:

Examples:
He has to be crazy to make the same mistake again.
They have to be very thirsty after their long walk in the sun.
I have to be out of my mind to listen to you again.

In the negative, do/does not have to is no longer about a guess based on evidence.  It is about not being necessary.

Examples:
He doesn’t have to help clean up.  (It’s not necessary for him to help clean up.)
We don’t have to go to school today.  It’s closed.  (It’s not necessary for us to go to school today.)

Requests are used when you want someone to do something for you.  The modals can, could, will and would are used as in the following examples.  There is no difference between them, which means that you can use any of these words and it’s the same.  Please can be added to make your request more polite but is not necessary.

Can you, Can I:

Can you tell me when the store closes?
Can you please help me find my dog?

Can I borrow $20, please?
Can I see some identification, please?

Could you, Could I:

Could you give me your email address?
Could you tell me the time, please?

Could I get a ride home, please?
Could I meet with you tomorrow afternoon?

Will you:

Will you give me a ride downtown, please?
Will you please pass me the salt?

Would you:

Would you please stop making all that noise?
Would you sit down here next to me?

(Notice that the verb after all these modals is in the simple form.)

Here are other ways you can make a request:

Would you mind:

Would you mind closing the door on your way out?
Would you mind turning down the music a little?
(Notice that the verb after would you mind is a gerund (-ing))

I would like:

I would like you to join me for dinner.
I would like another cup of tea, please.
NOT:  I want another cup of tea, please. (This is a little impolite)

I’d (really) appreciate it if you can / could / will / would.

Really is optional.

I’d really appreciate it if you can lend me a little money until payday.
I’d appreciate it if you could let me use your car this Friday.
I’d really appreciate it if you will wait for me.
I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t text me all the time.

You can also drop the modal, but you must put the following verb in the simple past tense.

I’d appreciate it if you dropped me off downtown.
I would appreciate it if you waited for me outside.

Offers are used to say what someone is willing to do for someone else.  The other person can accept the offer or refuse it.  Offers are always in the present because they require an answer.  To make an offer, you can use the modals:  would, can, could, may, shall, and will.  After any modal the following verb must always be in the simple form.  Following are examples of offers using these modals and positive and negative responses to these offers.  Whether it is accepted or not, it is customary to thank the person for the offer.

Would you like + noun:

Examples:
Would you like something to drink?
Yes, that would be very nice.  Thank you.

Would you like a napkin?
No thank you.  I’ve already got one.

Would you like + infinitive:

Examples:
Would you like me to read you a story?
Yes, please.

Would you like to come with us to the coffee shop?
I’m sorry.  I’ve got a lot of work to do.  Maybe next time.

Can I:  [What can I, How can I]

Can I help you?
Yes, could you tell me where the bookstore is?

Can I bring something to the party?
That’s not necessary, but thank you for the offer.

What can I do for you?
You could set the table if you don’t mind.

How can I help you?
I’d like to see your winter boots, please.

I could:

I could give you the rest of the day off.
Thank you.  I appreciate that so much.

I could stay with you while you’re sick.
Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll be okay.

May I:

May I give you some advice?
I’d appreciate that.

May I be of assistance?
No, I can handle this, but thank you.

Shall I / we:

Shall we look for your glasses?
That’s a good idea.  Thanks for your help.

Shall I call you a cab?
No thanks.  I think I’ll take the bus home.

I will:

I will bring some beer to the barbecue.
Thanks, and I’ll get us a couple steaks.

I will help with the planning.
That’s not necessary.  Everything is already done.

When asking for or giving permission, 3 modal verbs are used: can, could and may.  Although many people think that may is more polite than the other 2, all 3 are equally polite, especially if you add please.  You can ask for permission either for yourself or for someone else.  Remember that the verb after these modals is always in the simple form.

Examples:
Can I please use your washroom?
Can my friend get a free sample too, please?

Could I just get my money back, please?
Could my child please stay here until I get back?

May I please have another slice of cake?
May my mother have this seat, please?

(Notice that please can go either before the simple form verb or at the end of the sentence.)

Negative permission is called prohibition.  Use can and may in the negative to indicate that someone doesn’t have permission.

Examples:
You can’t park your car in my neighbor’s driveway.
Your friend cannot stay here overnight.

BUT NOT:  You could not smoke in this room. (which is past ability, not prohibition)

You may not leave class early.
Your dog may not lie on the sofa.
(Note:  You cannot contract may not (mayn’t.))

Besides these 3 modals you can also ask permission with Is it alright/okay (with you) if …, Do you mind if…, and Would you mind if…. 

With Is it alright/okay (with you) if and Do you mind if… always use the present simple form of the verb.

Examples:
Is it alright if my friend comes with us?
Is it okay with you if I don’t stay long?

Do you mind if I close the window?
Do you mind if I sit down?

After Would you mind if…, you can use the present simple or the past simple tense, and there’s no difference in meaning.

Examples:
Would you mind if I get something to eat?
Would you mind if I got something to eat?

Would you mind if I leave early?
Would you mind if I left early?

NOTE: To give permission when someone uses the expressions Do you mind if… and Would you mind if…, say, “No, not at all,” or “No, go ahead.”  Without these extra words after “No,” the listener may think you’re not giving permission.  If you don’t want to give permission, don’t just say “Yes,” but say “Yes I do” or “Yes I would.”

Conversation:

Brian:  Is it alright if I leave early today?  I have a job interview this afternoon.

Teacher:  Sure.  No problem.  Just remember to do your homework for tomorrow.

Brian:  Could I do it on the weekend.  I have a test in math tomorrow and I have to study.

Teacher:  You can’t skip your homework in this class.  Without practice you won’t learn as well.

Brian:  I understand, but I’ve really got a lot to do tonight.   Would you mind if I skip it this once?

Teacher:  No, not at all.  I guess one time won’t hurt.

Brian:  Thanks.

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

To express necessity (something must be done) or obligation (someone must do something), you can use must, have to, have got to, need, or had better.  Let’s look at these one at a time.

Must is a modal and is always followed by a verb in the simple form.  The simple form is the infinitive without the ‘to’, for example: be, do, go, have.

Examples:
I must remember to pick up my aunt at the airport this Friday.
Must you always chew with your mouth open?

In the negative mustn’t (must not) and must never mean it is important that you don’t do it.  It’s against the law, against the rules or against what you think is right.

Examples:
You mustn’t park your car here.
You must never lie to your mother.

Have to is another modal, and it is used the same way as must.  There is no difference in meaning.  Like must, have to is followed by a verb in the simple form.

Examples:
Everyone has to be here on time tomorrow morning.
Everyone must be here on time tomorrow morning.

We have to set up the room for a meeting.
We must set up the room for a meeting.

However don’t have to does not mean the same thing as must not.  Don’t have to means that it is allowed but not necessary.  There is no rule against it.

Examples:
You have a car, so you don’t have to take the bus anymore.
[You can take the bus if you want to, but it’s not necessary.]
[You cannot say: ‘You have a car, so you mustn’t take the bus anymore’ because it’s still allowed, and you can take the bus if you want to.]

You mustn’t forget to renew your driver’s license.
[It is necessary that you don’t forget.]
[It makes no sense to say:  You don’t have to forget to renew your driver’s license. because you have no choice.  You must remember.]

NOTE:  English speakers also use can’t the same as mustn’t.

Examples:
She can’t talk to me like that.  It’s disrespectful.
I’m sorry.  You can’t skateboard in this park.  It’s against the law.

Another difference between must and have to is that must is never used in the past.  You must only use had to.

Examples:
The whole family had to go to the hospital after the accident.
She had to speak to him before he left the city.

The last difference between must and have to is that must can never be used with another modal, but have to can.

Examples:
We may have to leave early today.
She will have to call me as soon as she arrives.
I would have to ask her where she was last night.

Have got to is just another way to say have to.  It is mostly used in it’s contracted form ‘ve got to or ‘s got to.  It is always followed by a verb in the simple form.

Examples:
I’ve got to tell you that’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time.
She’s got to start spending more time on her studies.
We’ve got to get up really early tomorrow morning.

Have got to is only used in the present or future but never in the past.  In the past use had to only.

Example:
I’ve got to go now.
I’ve got to go there tomorrow.
I had to go there last weekend.

Need is another verb you can use for necessity.  It can be used in different tenses but is always followed by the infinitive.

Examples:
If I need to contact you, what’s your number?
I needed to make her understand.
She has needed to visit her parents every year since they got married..

Had better is a little stronger than the others because it implies that something bad will happen if the person does not do it.  It is only used in the present or future and is followed by a verb in the simple form.  Sometimes the bad result is stated after or, but it’s often dropped because it’s not necessary to say.

Examples:
He’d better remember to buy her something nice for her birthday, or she’ll never speak to him again.
She had better be on time for her interview, or there’s no way she’ll get the job.
You’d better wash your hands after touching that fish.  [or you’ll get food poisoning.]
It’s after midnight.  We’d better turn down the music.  [or someone may call the police.]

Study this page again, and when you’re ready, do the following exercise.

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

To express ability, you can use either can or be able to.  The most common way is with can, which is used for the present or the future:  I can swim.  I can meet you tomorrow.  In the past can becomes could:  I could run faster when I was younger.  With be able to the verb be can be in different tenses:  I am able to sleep anywhere.  I will be able to sleep later.  I was able to sleep on my flight.  I’ve been able to sleep better since I found a job.

When you’re talking about a general ability in the present, you can use can or be able to.  Most English speakers use can most often.

Examples:
I can run pretty fast if I have to.
I’m able to run pretty fast if I have to.
She can have a family and a career at the same time.
She’s able to have a family and a career at the same time.

When you’re talking about a general ability in the future, use can or will be able to.  Most English speakers use can most often.

Examples:
I can help you this weekend.
I’ll be able to help you this weekend.
The doctor can see you at 4:00 today.
The doctor will be able to see you at 4:00 today.

When you’re talking about a general ability in the past, use could or was able to.

Examples:
When I was a child, I could climb almost any tree.
When I was a child, I was able to climb almost any tree.
She could walk to school in ten minutes.
She was able to walk to school in ten minutes.

However, when you’re talking about a one-time ability in the past, you can only use was able to.

Examples:
I was able to get tickets for the concert.
NOT: I could get tickets for the concert.
They were able to help us find our dog.
NOT:  They could help us find our dog.

Exception:

In the negative you can use both couldn’t and wasn’t able to.

Examples:
She asked me but I couldn’t help.
She asked me but I wasn’t able to help.
Couldn’t you get tickets for the game?
Weren’t you able to get tickets for the game?

One last thing.  You cannot use can or could with another modal verb or as an infinitive.  You must use be able to.

Examples:
I may be able to help you on the weekend.
NOT:  I may can help you on the weekend.

We should be able to finish by dinnertime.
NOT:  We should can finish by dinnertime.

She wants to be able to graduate by next summer.
NOT:  She wants to can graduate by next summer.

Here are some expressions in English that always use can rather than be able to.

I can get started right away.
Can you believe that!
Can you help me?
If I can, I will.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
You can’t miss it.
Can’t you do something?
You can’t tell me you didn’t know.

When you think you’re ready, do the following exercise.

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

In North American English, advice is most often given using should.  The advice can be direct when one person talks to another or to themselves, or  indirect when the person isn’t giving the advice to the person, but is saying what he/she believes is the right thing to do.  Should is always followed by the simple form of the verb.

Examples:
You should be more careful crossing the street.  (talking directly to the person)
They should try and save some money for the future.  (saying what you believe is right)
She should tell her father everything.  (saying what you believe is right)

Ought to is not used as much, but sometimes you hear it.

Examples:
You ought to see a dentist about that toothache.
There ought to be a law against that.
I ought to give my daughter a cell phone.

In the negative shouldn’t is used 99% of the time.  Ought not to or ought not are correct but are rarely used.   (NEVER use oughtn’t to)

Examples:
We shouldn’t interrupt his phone call.
We ought not to interrupt his phone call.  (rarely said.)
We ought not interrupt his phone call.  (rarely said.)

You shouldn’t leave your dirty clothes on the floor.
You ought not to leave your dirty clothes on the floor.  (rarely said.)
You ought not leave your dirty clothes on the floor.  (rarely said.)

Her parents shouldn’t dictate what kind of wedding she has.
Her parents ought not to dictate what kind of wedding she has.  (rarely said.)
Her parents ought not dictate what kind of wedding she has.  (rarely said.)

In the interrogative (question form) only should is used.

Examples:
Should we leave for the theater now?
(NEVER: Ought we to leave for the theater now?)

Should I go help them with their move?
(NEVER:  Ought I to go help them with their move?)

Shouldn’t you be studying for your test tomorrow?
(NEVER:  Ought not you to be studying for your test tomorrow?)

Another modal to use for advice is had better or ’d better.  These words are very strong.  When you use them, you are saying that there will be a bad result if the person doesn’t do what you advise.  The simple form of the verb follows.

Examples:
You’d better remember your keys this time.  (Bad result = not being able to unlock doors.)
He’d better pay me back by Friday.  (Bad result = I’ll get angry.)
We had better not be late for class.  (Bad result = The professor won’t like it.)
NOTE:  When people speak, they often drop the middle word and say You better, He better, We better, etc., but don’t write it this way  When writing, always include “had” or ” ‘d.”

If you want to say the result (which is in the future), add or before it.

Examples:
You’d better get here on time, or you’ll miss the beginning of the movie.
She had better not forget to bring the tickets, or we won’t be able to get in.
I’d better get started, or I won’t finish on time.

There are other ways to give advice without using modals.  The first of these is If I were you, I would or just I would.  This is the present conditional (Conditional II), so remember to use were instead of was.

Examples:
If I were you, I would apologize to her immediately.
I would apologize to her immediately.

If I were you, I would place that sofa against the far wall.
I would place that sofa against the far wall.

If I were you, I would think twice about making him jealous.
I would think twice about making him jealous.

A second way to give advice is to say My advice is to.  This is followed by the simple form of the verb.

Examples:
My advice is to start planning your vacation right away.
My advice is to stop complaining and do something.
My advice is to buy a monthly bus pass.

Lastly, you can also give advice after a bad result has already happened.  The past modals should have, ought to have and had better have are used.  These are all followed by the past participle of the verb.

Examples:
You should have finished your homework before you went to bed.
You shouldn’t have wasted all those years.
You ought to have remembered his name.
You ought not to have made them angry at you.
You’d better have apologized to her for saying that.
You’d better not have forgotten the traveler’s cheques.

Study this page and when you think you’re ready, do the following exercise.

© 2013 Ambien Malecot