Grammar: modal patterns

Vocabulary in this set

Practise ten common grammar patterns for clear everyday communication.

1. is able to

   Phrase

   indicate capability or permission

   She is able to solve complex problems.

2. is allowed to

   Phrase

   indicate permission or authorization

   You are allowed to enter with a valid ticket.

3. is supposed to

   Phrase

   indicate an expected action or behavior

   He is supposed to arrive by 5 PM.

4. had better

   Phrase

   strong suggestion or warning

   You had better finish your work on time.

5. am to

   Phrase

   indicate an obligation or duty

   I am to report to the manager tomorrow.

6. have to

   Phrase

   express an obligation created by a rule or situation

   I have to renew my passport this month.

   Pattern: have or has to + base verb

7. need to

   Phrase

   say that an action is necessary or important

   We need to leave before the traffic gets heavy.

   Pattern: need to + base verb

8. do not have to

   Expression

   say that an action is not necessary

   You do not have to bring any food.

   Pattern: do or does not have to + base verb

9. must not

   Phrase

   say that an action is prohibited

   Visitors must not touch the paintings.

   Pattern: must not + base verb

10. should have

    Phrase

    describe a past action that was advisable but did not happen

    I should have checked the address before leaving.

    Pattern: should have + past participle