Grammar · From lesson 11
TOEIC Grammar: Modal Verbs (must, should, may…)
Modals (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) are followed by the base form of the verb: no to, no -s, no -ing. Semi-modals have to, ought to, be able to, need to include to.
Free extract from the Noto Tracks TOEIC course
| Meaning | Modals | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | must, have to, be required to | All visitors must sign in. |
| No obligation | don't have to, need not | You don't have to print the ticket. |
| Prohibition | must not, cannot, may not | Badges must not be shared. |
| Advice | should, ought to, had better | You should back up your files. |
| Possibility | may, might, could | The flight may be delayed. |
| Ability / permission | can, could, be able to, may | Guests can use the gym. / May I help you? |
| Polite requests | would, could, would you mind + -ing | Could you send the file? / Would you mind waiting? |
| Past regret / criticism | should have + p.p. | We should have ordered more chairs. |
| Past deduction | must have / can't have / may have + p.p. | She must have left early. |
Trap After a modal, look for the base verb: must submits, should to call, can accessing are always wrong. In the passive the base verb is be: must be submitted. Also note would rather + base verb and had better + base verb (You had better leave now).
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This page is one section of a full lesson
Lesson 11, "Grammar course 2: Verbs", is in the Noto Tracks TOEIC course. The rest of it covers:
- 3. The future in time and condition clauses
- 5. Transitive and intransitive pairs
- 9. Causatives and verbs + object + base verb
- 11. The mandative subjunctive
- 12. Verb forms in Part 6
Also in the full lesson
- Practice questions
- Answer key with explanations
- One-page summary
50 questions, free, with an estimated score.
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