Unit 5 – Grammar 2
MODAL VERBS 2
Introduction
Como hemos visto en el tema anterior, los modales no se pueden modificar. Aquí veremos algunas expresiones que nos servirán para expresar las ideas que no podamos expresar a través de los modales
Be able to
Can o be able to?
La expresion be able to significa literalmente ser capaz de. La usaremos para indicar lo mismo que can cuando can no podamos usarlo.
- I was able to stop in time
- They were able to find some useful books in the library
- You will be able to get tickets for the concert if you arrive before 9.am
- The kids have not been able to study much because of the noise from the building work
Should
Should I always use should?
Tenemos dos expresiones que indican lo mismo que should: ought to y had better .
- You ought to talk to her
- You’d better hurry up
Have to
Must o have to?
En muchas situaciones son intercambiables ya que el matiz que añaden es muy sutil. Usaremos must cuando la obligación es moral e interna, y usaremos have to cuando la obligación es externa.
- I must tell him about that
- I have to tell him about that
- I must stop playing videogames
- I have to stop playing videogames
Mustn't, haven't to, don't have to?
Aunque es oraciones afirmativas son muy parecidos, en negativa cada uno significa una cosa bien distinta!
- You mustn’t tell him about that
- You don’t have to come if you don’t want to
- Students mustn’t use their phones during the exam
- Students don’t have to attend classes if they work