MODAL VERBS (auxiliares de modo)

Can /could = Poder ser capaz de. It is used: to express possibility, ability; to ask for/ give permission in an informal way; to express negative deduction (in the negative) May/ might = Poder, ser provvel
I can/could do it myself You can ski on the hills (there is enough snow) Can I/could I borrow your car? You cant be hungry. Youve just had dinner He may /might not know that you are here

May I go now? May is used: to express possibility/probability; to ask for /give permission (politely). Yes, you may Might is used: to express a remote possibility/probability; You might tell me what he said (please tell me) to express a polite request. I must be at the station at ten You mustnt play with matches The prisoner must have escaped this way. You neednt bring your books to class tomorrow

Must = Ter que It is used: to express necessity; obligation, prohibition; to express logical deduction. Neednt is used to express absence of necessity Should and Ought to = dever (dever moral, conselhos) Used to express obligation; duty; advice

You should pay your debts You should eat more food Youve spelt it wrong. There should be another S Shops should remain open till later in the evening (sensible action) You ought to finish your work before going out You ought to go to Paris

Will is used to express:

Will you have some more wine? Will you come tomorrow? Will you do it for me? Come here, will you? You will stay here till you are relieved. When shall I know the result of the test?

an invitation (convite); a request (pedido); a command (ordem).

Shall is used for:

requests (pedidos); Suggestions (sugestes).

What shall I do with it? Shall we send it to your flat ,sir? How shall I cook it?

Exercises
Replace the words in bold by a modal verb. Make the necessary changes. The first one is already done for you. 1. It is advisable for him to keep his invention far from indiscreet eyes. He should keep his invention far from indiscreet eyes. 2. All the news talk about it. I'm quite sure it is true.

3. It isn't necessary for them to get the public transport.

4. He is not able to keep his eyes open.

5. It is possible for us to send it by E-Mail.

6. Are you ready to help me?

7. Do you want me to take you home.

8. They don't allow children to stay here.

9. It's probable that the fires die down

10. He had the possibility do it himself.

11. It is forbidden to smoke here.

12.It was their duty to come earlier.

13. Perhaps these chemical products are dangerous to manipulate.

14. He probably is considered hypocritical, but he recognised the rights of both sides