English Language

English Language :



might : verb - Past tense of MAY
negative short form – mightn’t
modal + verb

1. He might come, but it is very unlikely. [come - infinitive without TO]

2. I thought it might rain. [rain - infinitive without TO]

3. You might think you are clever. [think - infinitive without TO]

4. Peter might phone. [phone - infinitive without TO]

Can : (verb) - (modal + verb) - to be able to
negative short form - can't

1. He is so tall he can touch the ceiling.

2. He is so tall he is able to touch the ceiling. [touch - infinitive without TO]

3. Can you lift this box? (Are you able to lift this box?)

4. I'm sure we can settle this problem. [settle - infinitive without TO]

5. You can go now.

6. You can borrow my car tomorrow.

7. I can see some famous people.

8. I can see some famous people now in the picture book.

Could : (verb - Past tense of CAN - describes CAN in the past

negative short form - couldn't

1. I could run very fast when I was a school boy.

2. He said we could smoke. (His actual words were….you can smoke.)

3. This new project could create 10,000 new jobs.

4. The government could do a lot more to help small business.

5. I could marry him if I wanted to. (I would be able to...)

6. You could be right.

7. Could I see you tomorrow evening?

[smoke, create, do - infinitives without TO]

Must : (verb) - shows what it is necessary for me to do -

negative short form - mustn't

(modal + verb)

(past - usually had to)

(What one ought to do) or (What one is forced to do….)

1. I must leave at five today. [leave - infinitive without TO]

2. Prams must be left outside the shop. Ibe - infinitive without TO]

3. I must admit I don't like her. [I have to admit that I don't like her.]

4. You must go and see that new film. [go - infinitive without TO]

5. You must go and see that new film. see - infinitive without TO]

6. I am in love. That must be nice. [be - infinitive without TO]

The Infinitive without TO is also used after the verbs shall, will, do, did, should, would, may, might, can, could and must.

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