Semi modals
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Transcript of Semi modals
SEMI-MODALS We call semi-modal verbs the ones that are used BOTH
as modal verbs AND as main verbs. Those are the following: be able to, have to/don't have
to, need (to), dare (to)
Let's see now how they are used !
Be able to + infinitive
Ability (in all simple tenses)
Note: We use it to talk about ability in the past especially in affirmative and interrogative/question where could cannot be used.
e.g. I am not able to drive a car.
Were you able to do your homework?
I was able to finish the project on time.
Have to + infinitive
Obligation (can be used in all simple tenses instead of must)
e.g. I have to tidy my room this weekend.
I had to go shopping with mum on
Saturday.
Not have to + infinitive
To show that something is unnecessary (used in all simple tenses)
e.g. Mum, I don't have to study today. It's
Sunday !
I didn't have to go to school yesterday .
Role play between an employer and an employee! You haven't been a good employee and your boss is about to
fire you. Use have to and not have to!
Needn't, don't/doesn't need to +infinitive
To show that something is unnecessary
Note: As a main verb it is followed by an infinitive with to.
e.g. I need to speak to Tom.
BUT as a modal verb it is followed by an infinitive without to and is NOT used in the affirmative.
e.g. Need she check this report?
You needn't come with me.
BE CAREFUL !e.g. Need we buy more food?
Yes, we must.
OR No, you needn't. (NOT : Yes, we need.)
Must I explain it again?
Yes, you must.
No, you needn't/don't have to. (NOT: No, you
mustn't. )
Didn't need to + infinitive
To show that something was unnecessary and didn't happen in the past
e.g. She didn't need to take a taxi because she had her own car. (She didn't take a taxi)
Needn't have + past participle
To show that something was unnecessary in the past but it happened
You needn't have brought any bread. I've already bought some. (She brought bread !)
Dare
To show that someone is (not) afraid of something
As a main verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to in the affirmative. In the negative and interrogative to is optional.
e.g. He is a man who dares to fight for his rights.
He doesn't dare (to) ask for more money.
Do you dare (to) be honest with him?
DareAs a modal verb it is followed by an infinitive without
to and is not usually used in the affirmative.
e.g. I daren't tell him it was my fault.
Dare she deal with them alone?
ALSO: How dare you say that to me?
Mum, can I start wearing make-up?
Don't you dare !
Worth knowing !Remember !
Need and dare are usually used as main verbs in American English.
Expressions similar to modal verbs:
be + to + infinitive ( e.g. These are to be sent today)
be supposed + to + infinitive ( e.g. You were supposed to bring it back on Monday. )
be likely + to + infinitive (e.g. She is likely to be back tonight)
Role play ! You have just found out your friend has lied to you about something important . Use as many modals as you can ! Two teams on board and the winner is the
one which used the most modals.