Practice
44 Ability: can, could and be able to
1 Can and can't
Vicky:        How many instruments can you play, Natasha?
Natasha:     Three - the violin, the clarinet and the piano.
Vicky:        That's terrific. You haven t got a piano here, though.
Natasha:     No, but I can go to the music room in college and play the one in there.
Vicky:        I'm not musical at all. I can't even sing.
We use can to say that something is possible: that someone has an ability (Natasha can play the piano) or an opportunity (She can go to the music room). Can is usually pronounced /kon/ but sometimes we say /kren/. The negative is cannot /'kaenot/ or can't /ka:nt/.
2 Can and be able to
In the present tense, be able to is a little more formal and less usual than can.
Emma is good with computers. She can write/is able to write programs. But in some structures we always use be able to, not can. To-infinitive: It's nice to be able to go to the opera, (not to can go)
After a modal verb:     Melanie might be able to help us. Present Perfect: It's been quiet today. I've been able to get some work done.
For the future we use can or will be able to but not will can.
If we earn some money, we can go/we'll be able to go on holiday next summer.
I'm afraid I can't come/I won't be able to come to the disco on Friday. But to suggest a possible future action, we normally use can.
Let's have lunch together. We can go to that new restaurant.
3 Could and was/were able to
For ability or opportunity in the past, we use could or was/were able to. Natasha could play (or was able to play) the piano when she was four. In those days we had a car, so we could travel (or were able to travel) very easily.
To say that the ability or opportunity resulted in a particular action, something that really happened, we use was/were able to but not could.
The plane was able to take off at eleven o'clock, after the fog had lifted.
Luckily Mark was able to get (or succeeded in getting) the work done in time.
The drivers were able to stop (or managed to stop > page 60.3) before they crashed into each other.
Compare these two sentences.
The children could swim when they were quite young, (a past ability)
The children were able to swim across the river. (a past action)
In negative sentences and questions, we can use either form. It was foggy, so the plane couldn't/wasn't able to take off. The pool was closed, so they couldn't/weren't able to have a swim. Could you/Were you able to describe the man to the police?
We normally use could (not was/were able to) with verbs of seeing etc., and with verbs of thinking. We could see the village in the distance. As soon as Harriet opened the door, she could smell gas. I couldn't understand what was happening.
Can and can't (l)
Look at the pictures and say what thev ran ™ ^n<* ^   ,.
lift the Wei9hts, p/ay the Jin, ^hands *"* ^ ^es,juggle.
>
1
2
He,. CArv waJic or,. hi* .taAd£,
3. 4
B Can and be able to (2)
Harriet is visiting David, who hurt himself when he fell off a ladder. Complete the conversation using can or a form of be able to. Sometimes there is more than one possible answer. Harriet:  Hello, David. I'm sorry I haven't (►) bee.* Able, -to cpiwe     ... (come) and see you before.
I've been really busy lately. How are you? David:   I'm OK, thanks. (1)............................ (I / walk) around now.
The doctor says (2).................................. (I / go) back to work soon.
It'll be nice (3) ...................... . (get) out again. I hate being stuck
here like this. I haven't (4) ...................... .. (do) anything interesting.
C Could and was/were able to (3)
►  Which is closer to the meaning of the sentence 'Years ago I could run a marathon'?
a) n I ran a marathon at one particular time in the past.
b) [/] I was once fit enough to run a very long way.
1 Which of these sentences is correct? I was ill, so I couldn't go to the party. I was ill, so I wasn't able to go to the party.
a) Q Only the first one.   b) [^] Only the second one.   c) P] Both of them.
2 Which is closer to the meaning of the sentence 'Sarah was able to leave work early yesterday'?
a) LJ Sarah left work early yesterday.
b) [H Sarah had the opportunity to leave work early yesterday, but we don't khc5w if she took it.
Could and was/were able to (3)
Put in could or was/were able to. Sometimes either is possible. Use a negative if necessary. ►  Suddenly all the lights went out. We cowlpVt.        . see a thing.
The computer went wrong, but luckily Emma..........put it right again.
There was a big party last night. You ........ .. hear the music half a mile away.
I learnt to read music as a child. I.....................read it when I was five.
People heard warnings about the flood, and they ........... move out in time.
The train was full. I........................ find a seat anywhere.
PAGK 108   • MODAL VERBS
MODAL VERBS    . PAGE 109
Practice
45 Permission: can, may, could and be allowed to
1 Asking permission
We use can, could or may to ask for permission. Can I use your pen?
Could we borrow your ladder, please? ~ Well, I'm using it at the moment. May I see the letter? ~ Certainly. Could often sounds more polite than can. May is rather formal.
2 Giving and refusing permission
To give permission we use can or may (but not could).
You can wait in my office if you like.
Could 1 borrow your calculator? ~ Of course you can.
You may telephone from here, (a written notice) May is formal and is not often used in speech. To refuse permission we use can't or may not (but not couldn't).
Could we picnic here? ~ I'm sorry. I'm afraid you can't.
Members may not bring more than two guests into the club. We can also use must not.
Luggage must not be left unattended.
3 Talking about permission
You may telephone from here
Bicycles must not be left here
We sometimes talk about rules made by someone else. To do this we use can, could and be allowed to.
We use can to talk about the present, and we use could for the past. Present:      Each passenger can take one bag onto the plane. Past: In the 1920s you could drive without taking a test.
We can also use be allowed to.
Present:      Passengers are allowed to take one bag onto the plane. Future:       Will I be allowed to record the interview on tape? Past: We weren't allowed to look round the factory yesterday.
For a general permission in the past we use either could or was/were allowed to.
J could always stay/I was always allowed to stay up late as a child. But to say that the permission resulted in a particular action, something that really happened, we use was/were allowed to (but not could).
I was allowed to leave work early yesterday.
We were allowed to go into the control room when we looked around the power station.
Compare these questions with may and be allowed to.
ASKING FOR PERMISSION
May I take a photo of you? (= Will you allow it?)
ASKING ABOUT PERMISSION
Are we allowed to take photos? (- What is the rule?)
Asking permission (1)
How would you ask for permission in these situations?
Use Can /...?, Could I...? or May I...? and these verbs: borrow, join, look at, use ►  You are at a friend's flat. You want to make a phone call. Cai\ I w£e yowr ptajyev
1   You need a calculator. The person sitting next to you has got
one.
You have gone into a cafe. Three people who you know from work over to the table.
are sitting at a table. You go
3   You had to go to a lecture, but you were ill. Your friend went to the lecture and took notes. Next day you are well again and you see your friend.
B Giving and refusing permission (2)
A policeman is telling you what the signs mean. What does he say?
Use can and can't and these verbs: drop, go, have, park, play, smoke, turn
Policeman:
>
1
2
3
4
5
You c<\* fiArk hara.
Be allowed to (3)
Put in the correct forms.
Rita: Emma:
Rita:
I hear you've moved into a new flat with a couple of friends.
Yes, it's a nice flat, but the landlady is really strict. (►) We are^t Allowed to. dp..
(we / not / allow / do) anything. It was my birthday last month, and
(1)............. ........................ (I / not / allow / have) a party.
Oh, (2) ....................... .................... (we / allow / have) parties at our place,
luckily. (3)............. .................. (we / allow / do) anything, more or
less. We're hoping to have an all-night party soon, but I'm not absolutely sure if
(we / allow / hold) it.     ,,
(4).
D May I ...? or Am I allowed to ...? (3)
Are you asking for permission, or are you asking what the rule is? Put in May /' Am I allowed to ...? "
? or
►
►
1
2
3
4
5
W*y-: ■........... ..................use your computer?
Am I Allowed to..............smoke in this cinema?
cross the road here? ask you a personal question? rollerblade in this park? drive a car without insurance? read your magazine?
page 110   • MODAL VERBS
MODAL VERBS   • PAG); 111
1^ Practice
46 Possibility and certainty:
may, might, could, must, etc.
May, might and could
Rachel:   Whose bag is that?
Daniel:   I don't know. It may belong to Maria's friend.
Vicky:    It might be a bomb. It could explode at any moment.
We use may or might to say that something is possible or that it is quite likely.
We can use them for the present or the future.
It may/might be a bomb. {= Perhaps it is a bomb.)
I may/might go to the disco tomorrow. (= Perhaps I will go to the disco.)
We can use could to say that something is possible.
The story could be true, I suppose. (= Possibly it is true.)
You could win a million pounds! (= Possibly you will win a million pounds.) Sometimes could means only a small possibility. It is possible (but not likely) that you will win a million pounds.
In some situations we can use may, might or could.
It may/might/could rain later. After may, might or could we can use a continuous form (be + an -ing form).
Thai man may/might be watching us. (= Perhaps he is watching us.)
Sarah may/might be working late tonight. (= Perhaps she will be working late.)
I'm not sure where Matthew is. He could be playing squash. (= Possibly he is playing squash.)
2 May, might and could in the negative
The negative forms are may not, might not/mightn't,
may not and might not
Something negative is possible. Daniel may not get the job. Tom might not be in. I mightn't finish the marathon tomorrow. (It is possible that I will not finish it.)
3 Must and can't
must
We use must when we realize that something is certainly true.
She isn't answering the phone. She must be out.
I had my keys a moment ago. They must be here somewhere.
Andrew isn't here. He must be working in the library.
and could not/couldn't.
couldn't
Something is impossible.
Vicky is afraid of heights. She couldn't climb onto the roof.
I'm completely unfit. I couldn't run a marathon. (It is impossible for me to run it.)
can't
We use can't when we realize that something is impossible.
We haven't walked far. You can't be tired yet.
Life can't be easy when you have to spend it in a wheelchair.
Nick can't be touring Scotland. I saw him here this morning.
> 53 Might/could/must have been   O page 379 Mustn't in American English
> 51.1 Could in suggestions
A Might be and might be doing (1)
Vicky and Rachel are at college. They're looking for their friend Natasha. Complete the conversation. Use may or might and the verb in brackets. Sometimes you need to use the continuous.
I can't find Natasha. Have you seen her?
(►) ^fo.Mijiri. be., (she / be) in the music room. (►) -^e- my. be fer#g&;foj (she / practise).
No, she isn't there. I thought (1) ... It's a nice day. (2)..................
(3)..................................................
(4)..................................................
(5)..................................................
No, I've looked there.
Well, here comes Jessica. (6) .......... ...............(she / know).
Vicky: Rachel:
Vicky: Rachel:
Emma: Rachel:
..................................(she / be) with you.
.....................(she / be) on the lawn.
(she / sit) out there reading the paper. Or
(she / have) a coffee.
(you / find) her in the canteen.
B May and might (1-2)
Add a sentence with may or might (both are correct).
I'm not sure if it's going to rain, it **\q\nt. rvury..........
I don't know if we'll see an elephant. We may fee prse.
I can't say whether Daniel will win.................
I haven't decided if I'm having a holiday.........
I don't know if we'll get an invitation..................
I've no idea whether Sarah will be late..... .........
I'm not sure if my friends are visiting me.........
►
►
1
2
3
4
5
C Mightn't and couldn't (2)
Put in mightn't or couldn't.
►
►
1
2
I've got one or two things to do, so I Mi^V.t ...........have time to come out tonight
David cowldryt.............. work as a tax[ drjver He cgm>t drjve
We're going to need lots of glasses. We........................... have enough| you Rnow
be in the office tomorrow. He thinks he's getting a cold.
We
possibly have a dog, living in a small flat like this.
work in such conditions.
4 How can you work with all this noise? I
5 Don't come tomorrow because I.................................... be in. I'm not sure what I'm doing.
D Must, can't and might (1, 3)
A reporter is interviewing Mrs Miles for a TV news programme. Complete the conversation. Put in must, can't or might. t Mrs Miles:   My name's Nora Miles, and I'm going to do a parachute jump.
Mrs Miles, you're seventy-three, and you're going to jump out of an aeroplane.
You (►) .wl*£fc............be mad. You (1) ............................. be serious.
It really (2)..................... be wonderful to look down from the sky. I've
always wanted to try it.
But anything could happen. You (3) ...................... be injured or even
killed. I wouldn't take the risk.
Reporter: Mrs Miles: Reporter: Mrs Miles:
Reporter:
Well, young man, your life (4)....
take risks. You ought to try it. You never know - you (5) .... enjoy it.
Enjoy it? You (6) .......... .............be joking!
be much fun if you never
page 112   • MODAL VERBS
MODAL VERBS   • PAGE 113
Practice
47 Necessity: must and have to
1 Present, past and future
We use must and have to/has to to say that something is necessary. You'll be leaving college soon. You must think about your future. We're very busy at the office. I have to work on Saturday morning. Mark has to get the car repaired. There's something wrong with the brakes.
When we use the past, or the future with will, we need a form of have to.
Emma had to go to the dentist yesterday. NOT Site-must go to-tiie-iientisP)>esterday.
That wasn't very good. We'll have to do better next time. And in other structures we also use a form of have to, not must. To-infinitive: / don't want to have to wait in a queue for ages.
After a modal verb:     Emma has toothache. She might have to go to the dentist. Present Perfect: Mark has had to drive all the way to Glasgow.
For negatives and questions with have to/has to and had to, we use a form of do.
I don't have to work on Sundays.    Wliy does Andrew have to study every evening?
Did you have to pay for your second cup of coffee? ~ No, I didn't. 1 don't have to work means that it is not necessary for me to work (see Unit 48.2).
2 Must or have to?
Both must and have to express necessity, but we use them differently.
must
We use must when the speaker feels that something is necessary.
You must exercise. (I'm telling you.)
We must be quiet. (I'm telling you.)
I/we must can also express a wish. 1 must buy a newspaper. I want to see the racing results.
We must invite Claire. She's wonderful company.
HAVE TO
We use have to when the situation makes something necessary.
I have to exercise. (The doctor told me.)
We have to be quiet. (That's the rule.)
/ have to buy a newspaper. The boss asked me to get one.
We have to invite Trevor and Laura. They invited us last time.
Have got to
Have got to means the same as have to, but have got to is informal. We use it mainly in the present. 1 have to/I've got to make my sandwiches.    My father has to/lias got to take these pills. Do we have to apply/Have we got to apply for a visa?
t> 48 Mustn't and needn't
Have to (1)
Complete the conversations. Use the words in brackets and a form of have to.
David's broken his leg. HeV>d to..30......(he's / go) to hospital.
Oh no! How long. will, he tiAve to stAy.....(will / he / stay) there?
I don't know.
I parked my car outside the hairdresser's, and while I was in there, the police took the car
away. I've got it back now. But ..........................(I / pay) a lot of monej
How much.......................... (you / pay)?
Two hundred pounds!
That door doesn't shut properly..... ........... ........(you / slam) it
Melanie: Harriet: Melanie: Claire:
Henry: Claire: Trevor:
every time.
Laura: Jessica: Andrew: Mike:
Nick: Mike:
Nick:
Melanie:
Nick:
You're always taking exams. Why
We're in a new house now.....
place was too small. Did it take you long to find a house?
No, we found one easily. ........
it was in bad condition...........
My brother..............................
That's pretty early. What time Half past three.
(you / will / fix) it then, won't you?
... (you / take) so many? . (I / will / take) a lot more if I want a good job.
... (we/move). The old
(we / not / look) very hard. But
........(we've / do) a lot of work on it.
(start) work at five o'clock in the morning. ............ (he / get) up?
B Must and have to (2)
Write a sentence with must, have to or has to.
► The sign says: 'Passengers must show their tickets.' So p<Kiie.^e.r$ InAve to ?hpw their ticket*........
► The children have to be in bed by nine. Their parents said: 'Ym.w!*£t ba..ii\ bed by
1   Laura has to get to work on time. Her boss told her:.........
i\ti\£.
The police told Nick: 'You must keep your dog under control So Nick ........
The pupils have to listen carefully. The teacher says:
The new sign says: 'Visitors must report to the security officer.' So now...............
C Must or have to? (2)
Put in must or have to/has to. Choose which is best for the situation ►  I kve to...............go to the
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
airport. I'm meeting someone. You.............................lock the door when you go out. There've been a lot of break-Daniel .......................... go to the bank. He hasn't any money.
I................................work late tomorrow. We're very busy at the office.
You really..................... make less noise. I'm trying to concentrate.
I think you.................pay to park here. I'll just go and read that notice.
You really.......................... hurry up, Vicky. We don't want to be late.
I............... put the heating on. I feel really cold.
ins recently.
PAGE 114   • MODAL VERBS
MODAL VERBS   • l'AGY. 115
Practice
48 Necessity: mustn't, needn't, etc.
1 Mustn't or needn't?
We use must to say that something is necessary (see Unit 47).
You must be careful with those glasses.    J must remember my key.
Now compare mustn't and needn't.
mustn't
We use mustn't /'nusnt/ to say that something is a bad idea.
You mustn't drop those glasses. They'll break. I mustn't forget my key, or I won't get in. You mustn't wear your best clothes. You'll get them dirty.
needn't
We use needn't when something is not necessary.
You needn't wash those glasses. They're clean. We needn't make sandwiches. There's a cafe. You needn't wear your best clothes. You can wear what you like.
2 Don't have to and don't need to
We can use don't have to and don't need to when something is not necessary. The meaning is the same as needn't.
You don't have to / don't need to wash those glasses. They're clean.
Mark doesn't have to I doesn't need to finish the report today. He can do it at the weekend. For American usage see page 379.
For the past we use didn't.
The food was free. We didn't have to pay/We didn't need to pay for it.
3 Didn't need to or needn't have?
Daniel hadn't booked a seat, but luckily the train wasn't full. He didn't need to stand.
didn't need to
We use didn't need to when something was not necessary. Standing was not necessary because there were seats. Mark didn't need to hurry. He had lots of time. He drove slowly along the motorway. We didn't need to go to the supermarket because we had plenty of food.
Sometimes we can use didn't need to when the action Mark didn't need to hurry, but he drove at top speed.
PAGE 116   • MODAL VERBS
Trevor and Laura booked a table for dinner. But the restaurant was empty. They needn't have booked a table.
needn't have
We use needn't have + a past participle for something we did which we now know was not necessary, e.g. booking a table. Mark needn't have hurried. After driving at top speed, he arrived half an hour early. We needn't have gone to the supermarket. We already had a pizza for tonight.
happened, even though it was not necessary. He likes driving fast.
A Must, mustn't or needn't? (1)
Put in must, mustn't or needn't.
►   Laura:        You <\e.£dry± ......take an umbrella. It isn't going to rain.
Well, I don't know. It might do.
Don't lose it then. You Mfe&*'.£ ..     leave it on the bus.
Come on. We...........hurry. We ............. be late.
It's only ten past. We ...............hurry. There's lots of time.
My sister and I are going a different way.
Oh, you............... go off on your own. It isn't safe. We ...............keep
together in a group. I'll put these cups in the dishwasher.
No, you................ put them in there. It might damage them. In fact,
we.................. wash them at all. We didn't use them.
Secretary:   I...............forget to type this letter.
Yes, it..................go in the post today because it's quite urgent. But the report
isn't so important. You........ type the report today.
Trevor: Laura:
1 Vicky: Rachel:
2 Claire: Guide:
3 David: Melanie:
Mark:
B Don't have to (2)
An old woman is talking to a reporter from her local newspaper. She is comparing life today with life in the past. Complete her sentences using don't have to, doesn't have to or didn't have to. ►  We had to make our own fun in the old days. There wasn't any television then. These days people d.PA t liAya ."to M^kc ."their owi\ -fi*(\. ....................................................................
1   There's so much traffic now. You have to wait ages to cross the road. In those days you
I had to work long hours when I was young. But children today have it easy.
They.............................................................................................................................................
My father had to work in a factory when he was twelve. Just imagine! Today a twelve-year-old
child .............................................................................................................................................
There's so much crime today, isn't there? People have to lock their doors now. It was better in the
old days when people..........................................................................................
We had to wash our clothes by hand. There weren't any washing-machines, you know. Nowadays people .......................................................................
(we / borrow / any money). ........................(I / bother).
C Didn't need to or needn't have? (3)
Write the sentences using didn't need to or needn't have. ► The previous owners had already decorated the flat, so
we.. didiy t. (seed to decor a te. it owse_\ve.5...................(we / decorate / jt' /'ourselves).
1   Luckily we were able to sell our old flat before we bought the new one,
so..............................................................................................
It was very hot yesterday, so I watered all the flowers.
And now it's pouring with rain............................................
We've done the journey much more quickly than I expected.
...................................................................................... (we / leave / so early).
A friend had already given me a free ticket to the exhibition,
so .............................................................................................. (I / pay / to go in).
Service was included in the bill, so .......................................................................................
(you / tip / the waiter). It was a waste of money.
MODAL VERBS   • page 117
49 Should, ought to, had better and be supposed to
think this bib-is supposed to
here.
2 Should and ought to
We use should and ought to to say what is the best thing or the right thing to do. There is no difference in meaning.
You're not very well. Perhaps you should see a doctor.
Your uncle was very kind to me. I ought to write him a letter of thanks.
People shouldn't break/oughtn't to break their promises. We can also use should and ought to in questions to ask for advice.
Where should I put this picture, do you think?
It's a difficult problem. How ought we to deal with it? After should or ought to we can use a continuous form (be + an -ing form).
It's half past six already. I should be cooking the tea.
Why are you sitting here doing nothing? You ought to be working.
3 Had better
We use had better to say what is the best thing to do in a situation.
It s cold. The children had better wear their coats.
The neighbours are complaining. We'd better turn the music down.
My wife is waiting for me. I'd better not be late. We could also use should or ought to in these examples, although had better is stronger. The speaker sees the action as necessary and expects that it will happen.
4 Be supposed to
We use be supposed to when we are talking about the normal or correct way of doing things. The guests are supposed to buy flowers for the hostess. Look at these cars. This area is supposed to be kept clear of traffic. The bus driver needs to concentrate. You're not supposed to talk to him. How am I supposed to cook this? ~ It tells you on the packet.
We can use was/were supposed to for the past.
It's eleven o'clock. You were supposed to be here at ten thirty, you know.
> 52.4 Shall used to ask for advice
to do some more work. I'm behind with
Practice
A Should and ought to (2)
Put in should, shouldn't, ought or oughtn't. (Look for the word to.)
Vicky:    I can't come out tonight, Rachel. I (►) o.w^dt ..
everything. I've got so much to do. Rachel: You (1) ............ worry so much, Vicky. Don't panic. You (2) .. . to
relax sometimes. You (3)............ take a break.
Vicky:    I know I (4) ........ panic, but I do. I can't help it.
Rachel: Anyway, you're doing OK: aren't you? Your results have been good.
You (5) . be pleased. You (6) to
yourself.
B Had better (3)
invent problems for
^ackets.Uld 'n th6Se SitUati°nS? Add a sentence with'd        (^t) and the words in
►  Vicky doesn't feel well. She's got a headache. What might you say to her? (an aspirin) Xow d batter t.Ak.e aa A^iri
1 You and Daniel are meeting Rachel. You've both arrived, but she isn't there yet. She is usually late, (wait).........................
2 Nona is leaving her bike outside the swimming-pool. You know it won't be safe if she leaves it unlocked, (lock) ................................... .......................................
3 Some friends are going to visit you today. Your room is in a mess. What do you think?
(tidy)..................................................................................................................................
4 Nick is giving you a lift in his old sports car. There's a speed limit, and there's a police car behind you. (too fast) ................ .....................................
5 There's an exam tomorrow. Neither you nor Rachel have done any work for it. (some revision) ..... .................
C Be supposed to (4)
Add a sentence using be [not) supposed to and these words:
leave it outside, report to the police, stand in a queue, take two before meals, watch it ►  You shouldn't bring your bike in here. Ypw.Ve supposed to leAye. it outside..
1 I've got some pills............... ...............
2 Foreign visitors can't travel freely here........................
3 Be careful waiting for a bus in England................
4 This film isn't for under-sixteens.....
D Should, ought to, had better and be supposed to (1-4)
Complete the conversation. Use should, ought to, had better or be supposed to and the verbs in brackets. Usually there is more than one correct answer.
Vicky:    What time (►) Are we 5wwp^ed..to be., (we / be) at the coffee morning?
Rachel: The invitation says ten o'clock. Vicky:    Well, it's ten now. (1)......
(2)
Rachel: Oh, it won't matter if we're a bit late. IC%    I think it would be rude, wouldn't it? I don't think peopl
(we / not / be) late.
(we / hurry).
(3).
(arrive) late when they've been invited to something.
Rachel; You worry too much. (4) ................
everything so seriously, Vicky. It's a coffee morning, not a job interview^
........(we / not / get) there exactly on time.
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Practice
50 Asking people to do things
1 Polite requests
We can use can or could in a request, when we ask someone to do something. Can you keep me informed? ~ Yes, of course.
Could you lend me ten pounds until tomorrow? ~ Sorry, I haven't got ten pounds. I wonder if you could explain something to me. ~ I'll try. Could is often more polite than can.
In a request we can also use Do you mind ...? or Would you mind...? with an -ing form.
Do you mind waiting a moment? ~ No, I can wait.
Would you mind sitting in the back? ~ No, not at all. We can also use Would you like to ...?
Would you like to lay the table for me? ~ Yes, of course. We do not use Do you like ...? for a request. NOT Do-y<»dik<i^lay-t}ie-tGbk--fo-r--me?
It is always worth taking the trouble to use one of these request forms in English. We do not normally say ttxi)i& Jtyf This
can sound very abrupt and impolite without a phrase like Could you ...?
2 The imperative
We can sometimes use the imperative form to tell someone what to do.
Bring another chair.    Hurry up or we'll be late. We form the negative with don't.
Don't be silly.    Don't make so much noise. We can use an imperative when we are with friends in an informal situation. But we do not use it to tell a stranger what to do in a more formal situation.
Excuse me. Could you tell me the way to Oxford Street, please?
Would you mind sending me a copy of your catalogue?
Even people in authority often avoid using the imperative to give orders. Instead they can use I want/I'd like you to     You mustor a polite request form. Manager:      I want you all to be at the meeting. Policeman:     You must wait until you see the green light. Doctor: Could you lie down on the bed, please?
But we use an imperative in instructions and directions, in offers and invitations, and to express good wishes.
Turn right at the crossroads. Have a biscuit.
Enjoy your holiday.
3 Asking for things
We use Can I/we have...? and Could I/we have ...? when we ask someone to give us something.
Can we have our room key, please?    Could I have a receipt, please? We can also say Could you give me a receipt, please? but we do not use the imperative. When we ask for something in a shop or a cafe, we can simply name what we want, but we must say please.
A large white loaf, please.    Two coffees, please. We can also use I'd like ... or I'll have ...
I'd like a chicken sandwich, please.    I'll have a coffee.
t> 45 Can and could for permission   > 52.2 Would like
A Asking people to do things (1-3)
Complete these sentences and write them in: Can I... a fork, please? Could. Could you ...the... forme? Would you ... answering the phone?
have a towel,
Could you opGA tfiP. door .for iwe?.
1
2
3
B Asking people to do things (1-3)
Mr Atkins is the boss at Zedco. He tells everyone what to do. Complete his sentences. Use these words: can, could, have, like, mind, must, want, wonder, would
► Would you wirsd ....... making some tea, Alan?
1 You ....... inform me of any developments.
2 Could I................ the latest sales figures, please?
3 Would you .............. to arrange a meeting some time next week, Fiona?
4 I ............... everyone to read the report.
5 ...... .... I see the file, please, Mark?
6 ................you mind putting this in writing?
7 I........... if you could translate this letter, Linda.
8 ........... you meet our customer at the airport?
C Asking people to do things (1-3)
Read about each situation and then make a request. Use the word in brackets.
► It is cold in the restaurant. Ask the waiter to shut the window, (could) Could.vow ^kut.tjie. wiivdow, .j»l.&A£e?
1   You are buying a coat. Ask the assistant for a receipt, (can)
2   You want to know the time. Ask someone in the street, (could) Excuse me..........
3 You need someone to help you. Ask a friend, (can)
4 You have bought some food, but you haven't got a bag. Ask the assistant, (could)
5 You are carrying a tray. Ask someone to clear a space on the table, (mind)
6 You are on the phone. You want to speak to the manager, (could)
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MODAL VERBS   • I'AGll 121
Practice
51 Suggestions, offers and invitations
1 Suggestions
We can use Shall we ...? or Let's to make a suggestion. It's a lovely day. Shall we go for a walk? ~ Yes, OK, Let's play some music. - Good idea.
We can also use could for a suggestion.
We could watch this comedy on TV tonight. ~ Well, actually I've seen it before.
You could invite a few friends around. ~ Yes, why not? We can also use Why don't..,?
Wlty don't we have a look round the market?
To ask for a suggestion we use shall, should or can.
Where shall/should we go for our holiday? ~ What about Spain? What can I get Claire for her birthday? ~ I've no idea.
2 Offers
We can use will or can to offer to do something. I'll carry your bag. ~ Oh, thanks.
We can give you a lift. ~ Oh, that would be great. Thank you.
We can also use question forms with shall or can.
Shall we pay you the money now? ~ Oh, there's no hurry. Can I get a taxi for you? ~ Yes, please.
To offer food or drink, we use would like.
Would you like one of these chocolates? ~ Yes, please. Thank you. Would anyone like more coffee? ~ No, thanks.
We can also use Will/Won't you have ...? Willyou have a biscuit? ~ Thank you. Won't you have something to drink? ~ Not for me, thank you.
In informal speech we can use the imperative. Have a biscuit. ~ Thank you.
3 Invitations
The words we use in invitations are similar to those we use in offers of food and drink (see 2). To invite someone, we often use Would you like to ...?
Would you like to have lunch with us? ~ Yes, I'd love to. Thank you.
Would like can have a verb with to after it, or an object with a noun. Would you like to stay the night. ~ Oh, that's very kind of you. Would you like a bed for the night? ~ Are you sure it's not too much trouble?
We can also use Will/Won't you ...?
Willyou join us for coffee? ~ Yes. Thanks.
Won't you sit down?
In informal speech we can use the imperative. Come and have coffee with us.    Please sit down.
> 52 Will, would, shall and should
A Suggestions, offers and invitations (1-3)
Put the words in the right order and write in the sentences-
►  Wo«\'t you have. pi\£ o-P tdese ?
2
3
B Suggestions and offers (1-2)
Complete the conversation. Put in could, shall, will or would.
Daniel: Where (►) *h$J.1...... we have our picnic, then?
Rachel: This looks all right. (1).................we sit here?
Emma: Oh, I've forgotten the sausages. They're in the car.
Matthew: (2)........... I get them?
Emma: Oh, thanks, Matthew.
Vicky: We (3)......... sit by those trees. It looks nicer over there.
Rachel: No, it's fine here.
Daniel: Yes, it's better here, I think.
Emma: (4)................you like a sandwich, Vicky?
Vicky: Oh, thank you.
Emma: (5)............. you have one, Rachel?
Matthew: And here are the sausages. (6) ............. anyone like one?
C Suggestions, offers and invitations (1-3)
What would you say? There is more than one correct answer. ►  A friend has called at your flat. Invite him to come in.
Would, yew.like,, to cowe. irv?...........................................
1   Offer your visitor a cup of tea.
2 You don't know what to say in your letter. Ask your friend for a suggestion.
3 You are walking in town with a friend. Suggest having a cup of coffee.
4 A woman you know is afraid to walk home alone. Offer to walk home with her.
5   You are
writing to a friend. Invite her to visit you one weekend!
PAGE 122    • MODAL VERBS
MODAL VERBS   • PAGE 123
Practice
52 Will, would, shall and should
1 Will and would for predictions
We can use will far a prediction (see Unit 25.3).
It's midnight, and Sarah is still working. She'll be tired tomorrow.
We're going to Cornwall for the weekend. ~ That'll be nice.
Wait a minute while I send this e-mail. It won't take long. We use would for a past prediction or a prediction about a possible situation. Past: At midnight Sarah was still working. She would be tired the next day.
Possible:     How about going to Cornwall next weekend? ~ That would be nice.
I wouldn't enjoy a camping holiday. We can use shall instead of will, and should instead of would, but only in the first person, after I and we.
I will/shall be twenty-five in June.
We would/should like to meet your family. But not My friend shoi Shall and should are a little formal here.
2 Would like
We can use would like, usually shortened to'd like, when we ask for something.
I'd like a brochure, please.    We'd like to order our drinks first. This is a more polite way of saying I want a brochure, for example.
We also use would like in offers and invitations.
Would you like a free gift?    Would you like to visit the museum with us?
3 Decisions and refusals
We can use will for an instant decision or for an offer. Decision:    Tea or coffee? ~ Til have coffee, please, (see Unit 23.2) Offer:        I'll wait for you if you like. ~ Oh, thanks. I wont be long.
We use won't and wouldn't for a refusal.
The strikers won't go back to work until they get a pay increase.
The key went in the lock, but it wouldn't turn. I won't... is a strong refusal.
J won't listen to any more of this nonsense.
4 Shall and should
We use Shall I...? in offers and Shall we ...? in suggestions. Offer: Shall 1 wait for you? ~ Oh, thanks. I wont be long.
Suggestion:    Shall we go to the park? ~ Good idea. We also use shall to ask for a suggestion. What shall we have for lunch?
We use either shall or should to ask for advice.
I'm in terrible trouble. What shall/should I do? We use should to say what is the best thing or the right thing to do.
People should exercise regularly.
You shouldn't spend all your money as soon as you've earned it. > 23 Will and shall   > 49 Should   > 51 Suggestions, offers and invitations
PAGE 124   • MODAL VERBS
A Will and would (1-2)
Complete the conversation. Put in will, won't, would or wouldn't.
Emma:
We
Emma: Matthew
Emma: Matthew: Emma:
was going.
►) wo/\'i be here next September. It's hard to believe, isn't it?
In a few months our student days (1).... ........... be over.
Matthew: It (2) ............................ be long now. I wish I had a job. Then I
(3).......... ............ know where
Who knows what the future (4)...........
Why don't we get married, Emma? Then at least we (5) be together.
I don't think so, Matthew. It (6) .........
I couldn't live without you, Emma.
I really (7) ....... ....... like to believe you, Matthew.
bring?
be a good idea.
B Some other uses of will and would (2-3)
Complete the conversations. Put in will, won't, would or wouldn't with these verbs: eat, give, go, help, let, like, open, stand
Vicky:
Rachel:
Harriet:
Mike:
Laura:
Trevor:
Mark:
Sarah:
Harriet:
Melanie:
Vicky:
Rachel:
Trevor;
Laura:
Mike:
Harriet:
anything except carrots, you get everything ready.
Have you noticed how thin Jessica has got? She's on a diet. She WPA^t e<vt..
Mike and I ...................
Yes, we're quite willing to lend a hand. You're late. I thought you were going to leave work early today
Sorry. The boss ...... ........... me go.
Sarah and I .................. .....you a lift, Mike.
Yes, we're going your way.
I heard Rita has quarrelled with her boyfriend.
That's right. If he's invited to the party, she ...................
I've had enough of table tennis for one day.
OK. Maybe Daniel ...............
What's wrong with the washing-machine? When I tried to use it earlier, the door... This lamp is always falling over.
a game with me.
It.
up properly.
C Will, would, shall and should (1-4)
What would you say? Use will, would, shall or should. ►  Offer to make the tea. .-£tal!..!..MAkc. /the te.A?
1   Suggest going to the swimming-pool.
2   Refuse to take any risks.
3 Say politely that you want a shower.
4 Tell someone it's best they don't decide in a hurry.
5 Predict the end of the world in the year 3000.
MODAL VERBS    ■ PAGE 125
Practice
53 It may/could/must have been, etc.
1 Introduction
Vicky, Emma and Matthew are at a club in town.
Vicky:        Wliere's Daniel? He should have been here half an hour ago.
Emma:      He may have got lost. It isn't easy to find this place.
Matthew:    He could have forgotten all about it, I suppose.
Emma:       He can't have forgotten. We were talking about it this morning.
Matthew:    Well, something must have delayed him.
We can use a modal verb with the perfect (have + a past participle).
We use this structure to talk about possible past events.
2 May have, might have and could have
We use these forms to say that possibly something happened in the past. He may have got lost. (= Perhaps he has got lost.)
You might have left your keys at work. (= Perhaps you left them at work.) Someone could have stolen them. {= It is possible that someone stole them.) We also use could have for an opportunity that we didn't take or a possible result that didn't happen We could have gone out somewhere, but we were too tired. You were very lucky. There could have been a terrible accident.
3 May not have, might not have and couldn't have
Compare these different uses.
may/might not have Possibly something did not happen.
Daniel may not have caught the bus. I expect he missed it.
(Perhaps he didn't catch it.)
I might not have locked the door.
(Perhaps I didn't lock it.)
couldn't have
It is impossible that something happened. Daniel couldn't have caught the bus. It doesn't
run on Sundays. (It is impossible for him to have caught the bus.)
4 Must have and can't have
Must and can't are opposites.
must have
My watch says it's only ten past two. It must have stopped.
I realize it is certainly true that my watch has stopped.
can't have You've only spent five minutes on that job. You can't have done it properly. I realize it is impossible that you did the job properly.
Should have and ought to have
We use these forms when someone didn't do the right thing. We didn't play very well. We should have played better. I got lost. ~ Sorry. I ought to have drawn you a map. It was a lovely old building. They shouldn't have knocked it down.
> 29.1 Will have done   > 46 May, might, could, must, can't   > 48.3 Needn't have
> 49 Should, ought, to   P> 146 Would have
A It may/could/must have been, etc. (2-4)
Look at each conversation and choose the best sentence, a) or b). ►  Has the car broken down? ~ Well, we may have run out of petrol, a) \~\ I'm sure there's no petrol left, b) [/j ] think there's no petrol left.
1 You could have had a free holiday. ~ Yes, we could, but the dates weren't convenient, a) O We had a free holiday, b)      We didn't have a free holiday.
2 Did you record the programme? ~ I can't remember. I might not have done, a)      I'm not sure if I recorded it. b) Q I certainly didn't record it.
3 Can't you find that newspaper? ~ No, someone must have thrown it away, a) [_[ It was necessary to throw it away, b) Q I realize now that it
was thrown away.
B Should and ought to (5 and Unit 49.2)
►	Rita:
	David:
>	Tom:
	Melanie:
1	Mark:
	Sarah:
2	Emma:
	Matthew
3	Rachel:
	Natasha:
4	Daniel:
	Emma:
Tom's car was stolen. He hadn't locked it. I suppose it's his fault then. He. should. Vvft. .locked.. it. I can't sleep sometimes. My neighbours play music all night.
That's a nuisance. They, should* t pky lwwfi.c aJI rsi^ht.............
The picnickers left litter everywhere.
That's awful............................ ...................................
Jessica isn't very friendly, is she? She never says hello to people. I know. ............................
I don't think Daniel's going to get that job. He was late for the interview.
That can't have looked very good.......................
Did you see Vicky crossing the road? She didn't look. She could have been killed........
C It may/could/must have been, etc. (2-5)
Complete the conversation. Use can't have, might have, must have and shouldn't have.
Harriet: There's a parcel outside. The postman (►) MWStJiAVfi.. left ...... (leave) it.
Well, (1)..................................... (he / leave) it outside. He isn't supposed to
do that. Someone (2)................................ .....(take) it. Why didn't he ring the
bell?
He always rings. (3)...... ............................
I haven't been out. So (4).................
Mike:
Harriet: Mike:
(you / be) out when he came. ...... (he / ring) the bell.
D It may/could/must have been, etc. (2-5)
Complete the sentences. The second person agrees with the first. Use might have, couldn't have etc I'm sure the computer didn't make a mistake. That's impossible. >
No, of course ita.:5p*«wM*ni.tavfc....<* misuv-g.
I can't see the letter here now. So clearly someone posted it Yes,..............
Matthew: Emma: Mark: Alan: Natasha: Rachel: Sarah: Mark: Daniel: Vicky:
It's possible Emma didn't hear the alarm.
Well, I suppose .......................................................................
Henry drove at 100 miles an hour. Don't you think that's dangerous?
Yes, I do...........................................................................
I just don't believe that Andrew has failed the exam. Andrew? Impossible! .........................................
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