Page 1 of 2www.englishpractice.com – Learn and practice English online.. Some equivalents of modal auxiliary verbs Be able to Be able to has similar meaning to can and could.. She is abl
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Some equivalents of modal auxiliary verbs
Be able to
Be able to has similar meaning to can and could.
He is able to support her (= He can support her.)
She is able to speak ten languages (= She can speak ten languages.)
They were able to catch the thief (= They could catch the thief.)
Be to
The structure be + to indicates simple future, like will or shall, but with a slight
degree of uncertainty
He is to retire this year.
We are to go on a vacation next month.
Be + to can also be used to express commands This structure has similar meaning
to must, but not quiet so strong or blunt.
You are to leave at once (= You must leave at once.)
He is to report for duty within a week (= He must report for duty within a week.)
Had better
Had better has similar meaning to should and ought.
You had better consult a doctor (= You should consult a doctor.)
You had better get some rest (= You ought to get some rest.)
Had better may also express a threat.
You had better give me my money back
He had better be careful
Have to and have got to
I have to be there by 12 o'clock (= I must be there by 12 o'clock.)
Fill in the blanks with suitable modal auxiliary verbs.
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1 Pay your fees in time lest you ?????- be fined
a) would
b) should
c) will
2.????- I send an application?
a) will
b) shall
c) may
3 ????? he be allowed to play the match?
a) shall
b) will
c) must
4 If I were you, I ????- do it
a) wouldn't
b) shouldn't
c) must not
Answers
1 should
2 shall
3 will
4 wouldn't