Thursday 11 December 2014

Modal verbs


Modal verbs (use)
Use
Examples
CAN / COULD/ BE ABLE TO

Ability




I couldn't play any instruments last year, now I can play short songs; soon I'll be able to play longer songs.




We haven't been able to go on holiday-
Can (ability in the present)
Could (ability in the past and conditional)
Will be able to (ability in the future)
Have been able to ( perfect tenses)
CAN / MAY/ BE ALLOWED TO

permission


Ok, you can wear that today, but you won't be allowed to play in the concert without the uniform. I wasn't allowed to play last year.


May I have another drink?
You may leave when you have completed the exam.
Can (permission in the present)
May (permission in the present; slightly more formal
Was/were allowed to
Will be allowed to ( permission in other tenses, future or past)

Must / have to / need to

Needn't / don't have to



obligation


You must log in, but you don't have to create a new password each time.
You don't have to wear a uniform.
You needn't get there before 11.
We need to work harder to pass our exams.



Mustn't

prohibition


You mustn't use mobile phones in class.
You mustn't eat too many sweets.



+ must
could
might
may
_can't



Certainty and possibility




The answer might be A,B or C. It can't be C;
so it must be A.


It must be late, it's getting dark.
That can't be true.

Should / ought to


advice


You should go to the dentist.
You ought to attend lessons.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

A review

Here you are some words and expressions to help you write a review.

This is ..........................................

Ratings: 

*awful   ** average  ***good  ****excellent   ***** masterpiece

 
Types:

adventure / comedy / horror / love story / musical / 
science fiction / social drama/ thriller / western

Words and expressions:

amusing / awful / boring / cliched / disappointing / entertaining / exciting

predictable / sensitive / moving / hilarious / it goes on and on

badly acted / poorly acted / well-acted / well-directed

a weak plot / well worth seeing / I can't really recommend it