Absolute Beginner English for Every Day S1 #102 - 10 Modal Verb Patterns
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What is the difference between 'can you' and 'could you' when making a request?
Both 'can you' and 'could you' are correct for making requests, but 'could you' is more polite and formal. 'Can you' is suitable for casual situations like talking to friends or family, while 'could you' is better for professional or unfamiliar settings.
Why is 'might' more commonly used than 'may' in American English?
'Might' is more commonly used in everyday conversation because it sounds less formal and more natural. 'May' tends to be more polite and formal, making it less frequent in casual speech.
How is 'should' used to give advice?
'Should' is used to ask for or give advice, often in close or personal situations. For example, 'What should I do?' or 'I think you should...' are common patterns. Including 'I think' softens the advice, making it more polite.
What is the difference between 'shall we' and 'will we'?
'Shall we' is a polite way to suggest doing something together, like 'Shall we dance?' or 'Shall we go for a drink?' 'Will we' is used to ask about future plans, such as 'Will we have to pay for this later?' They are not interchangeable.
Why is 'were' used instead of 'was' in the phrase 'If I were you'?
'Were' is used in 'If I were you' because it refers to an unreal or hypothetical situation. 'Was' is used for possible past situations, but 'were' is correct for present unreal conditions like giving advice.
When is 'must' commonly used in everyday conversation?
'Must' is rarely used in everyday conversation because it sounds very strong. It is more common in official rules or serious advice, such as 'You must not smoke here' or 'You must stop eating junk food.'
What does 'must not be' express in a sentence?
'Must not be' expresses a high likelihood that something is not true. For example, 'This must not be the right place' suggests there is a strong chance the location is incorrect.
How does 'can't be' differ from 'must not be'?
'Can't be' expresses complete impossibility, while 'must not be' suggests a very low chance something is true. For example, 'That can't be Risa' means it is impossible, whereas 'That must not be Risa' implies it is unlikely.
What is the correct verb form after 'should' in advice patterns?
After 'should' in advice patterns, the verb should be in the infinitive form. For example, 'We shouldn't eat' or 'We shouldn't forget.' Using 'ing' or past tense forms is incorrect.
- Can you and Could you are both acceptable for making requests.
- Could you is generally more polite than Can you.
- The choice depends on the level of politeness desired and the context (e.g., friends vs. strangers).
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