module 4 MODAL VERBS AND THEIR SUBSTITUTES Remember that modal verbs include can/could, may/might, must, shall/should, will/would and the semi-modal verb need. They are auxiliary verbs which express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, desire and so on. They are invariable, always followed by the bare infinitive of the verb and cannot coexist with each other or other auxiliaries. There are substitute forms when modals cannot be used. GRAMMAR MODAL MEANING SUBSTITUTE can/could ability, permission (ability) to be able to may/might possibility, permission (permission) to be allowed to must obligation, strong belief (obligation) to have to (prohibition) not to be allowed to should/ought to advice to be supposed/expected to will/would request, offer need necessity, absence of obligation to have to Complete the mini-dialogues below with suitable modals or their substitutes. A: I (1) ....................... hear the radio if it s that low. (2) ....................... you turn the volume up, please? B: Actually, its loud enough already, but I (3) ....................... move it a bit closer, alright? A: (4) ....................... B: I m afraid I (5) ........................ I (6) ....................... watch this documentary for the Science project. A: Mum, (7) ....................... you play videogames when you were a teenager? B: No, I (8) ........................ But I remember that once, at my best friend s place, I (9) ....................... you like to watch a movie tonight? because he taught me how to play. Unfortunately, I (10) ....................... have a computer. A: If I finish all my homework, I (11) ....................... chat on Facebook tonight. If my parents (12) ....................... B: let me, that is. You (13) ....................... spend your time on Facebook. You (14) ....................... do something more interesting with your free time! A: I ve bought a great new game for my PlayStation. You really (15) ....................... try it! B: Yes, but I (16) ....................... to borrow your PlayStation as well mine is broken. A: When is that new TV crimebuster series (17) ....................... start? B: It (18) ....................... be next week, just a minute and I (19) ....................... check. 160