Modal Verbs

have to, must, should, may, might, could

Material de Apoio

Warming Up

Discovering Highlight

Clique no que você acha que é o Verbo Modal. Para que eles são usados?

a) You must carry your ID at the lab.

b) You don’t have to bring your laptop today.

c) Could you email the draft by noon?

d) It might rain after lunch.

e) We should book the hostel in advance.

f) May I sit here?

g) You mustn’t use your phone during the test.

h) We have to wear helmets on the site.

Grammarly Speaking

Examples in Context

You must show your badge at reception.

Volunteers have to arrive by 8:30.

You don’t have to print the tickets; digital is fine.

It may be crowded on Friday.

We might need a second driver.

You should try the faster route.

Could we reschedule for tomorrow?

Mustn’t we finish this form? (formal/rhetorical)

Shall we meet at Gate B? (BrE offer)

You mustn’t feed the animals.

What have I discovered?

Notes (my ideas):

Write Your Own

Write 3 new sentences about your week using any three different modals.

Common Mistakes

Consolidating

1. You ( / ) submit the form today if you want the discount.

2. ( / ) I ask you a quick question?

3. You ( / ) bring cash — cards are accepted.

4. It ( / ) be Ana at the door — I’m not sure.

5. You ( / ) try smaller sizes first.

Let’s Practice!

1. You speak louder; the mic is off.

2. Visitors touch the artwork. (rule)

3. We leave now; the last train is at 11. (necessity)

4. It snow tonight; take a jacket. (possibility)

5. we move this meeting to 3 p.m.? (polite request)

6. You worry; everything is ready. (advice/negative)

7. Staff wear ID at all times. (rule)

8. You pay — it’s free for students. (not necessary)

9. It be Lucas; he has the key. (strong deduction)

10. we meet at the lobby? (offer/suggestion)

Did you know that...

💡 Curiosity: Must também indica dedução lógica (“Ele deve ser o chefe” = He must be the manager).

🇬🇧 British English: Shall aparece mais em inglês britânico (convites/contratos).

🏢 External Need: “Have to” costuma expressar necessidade externa (regra, horário).

🗣️ Prosody Tip: In fast speech, have to → /hæftə/ (“hafta”); should have → /ʃʊdəv/ (“should’ve”).

🔊 Emphasis: Stress the modal when emphasizing attitude: You MUST call her.

😎 To sound like a native! You gotta… (= you have got to) — informal. You gotta see this movie!

Writing Practice

Task

Your friend is visiting your city. Write a short message (90–120 words) including:

  • 2 rules (hostel/transport),
  • 2 pieces of advice,
  • 2 possibilities about weather/plans,
  • 1 polite request.

Production Task

Task

Write a paragraph about your next month’s goals using at least 6 different modals. Highlight them in bold.

Use a certainty thermometer (low → high): might → may → should → must.

Hear me out

Answer the questions below, based on the teacher’s reading.

Let’s Talk

Student A

  • Could you join us on Saturday?
  • What should I take for the trip?
  • What rules must we follow at the gym?
  • What might go wrong?

Student B

  • May I borrow your charger?
  • Do we have to book tickets?
  • What things we don’t have to do anymore?
  • Shall we invite Carla too?

Challenge Yourself!

On the spot, say 3 brand-new sentences about today: one advice, one rule, one possibility.