Modal Verbs for Advice and Rules

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to give advice, make suggestions and say what is not allowed.

Explanation

• After "should", "could", "might" and "mustn't", use the verb without "to".
• Use "should" for advice: You should wear a red nose on Red Nose Day.
• Use "might" and "could" for a polite suggestion: You might like to help.
• Use "need" for something necessary: I'll need an answer next week. "Need" is a normal verb here.
• Use "mustn't" for a ban: You mustn't run on the ice.

Examples

1. No one should miss this.
2. Perhaps you could stay after 11.30.
3. You mustn't take photos in the museum.

Remember!

• Say "You should go", not "You should to go".
• Use "might like to" for a polite suggestion, not "must".

Check yourself

1. Which modal verb gives advice?
2. Complete: "You ___ run on the ice." (a ban)