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English language grammar for IELTS offers a wide range of topics when it comes to perfection in the language. Here we come up with our new topic of grammar, that is, modal verbs for deduction.

Modal verbs for deduction are used:-

● To guess if something is true using the available information.

● To show how certain we are about the possibility or to check the level of certainty.

Today’s article will describe the detailed use of modal verbs for the certainty of possibility, probability, and deduction.

Deduction

“Deduction” means to use the information available to make a guess or to draw a conclusion about the facts available. Different modal verbs are used to indicate the degree of certainty. Some modal verbs of deduction are ‘must‘, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘will’, ‘can’, ‘have to’, ‘might’, ‘may’.

Modals For Deduction About Present

To make deductions about the present,
● Use must if one is sure about something to be true.
● Use can’t if one is sure that something is impossible.

▪ She must be at work right now.

▪ She can’t be at home.

Modals For Deduction About Past

Whenever we are available with a present situation or evidence and we tend to draw a conclusion about what was happened in the past, the modal verbs for deduction which are used

● Must have

● Couldn’t have

Along with a past form of verb.

Must Have + Past Participle

1. Sheila got a tan. She must have spent a lot of time in the sun lately.
2. There was one banana left, but now it’s gone. My husband must have eaten it.

Must Not Have + Past Participle

1. The car is still dirty. Paul must not have washed it yet.
2. He barely touched his lunch. He must not have been hungry.

Couldn’t Have + Past Participlewhen one is certain that some situation was impossible to happen in the past.

1. Martha couldn’t have taken your notebook; she wasn’t even in class yesterday.
2. The cookies are gone. But Eric couldn’t have reached the cookies on the top shelf; he must have asked his older brother to get them.

Let’s look for an example that represents the difference between must not have and couldn’t have:

▪ I did not see the report here – she must not have printed it out. (Printed- verb’s past form)
(we draw the conclusion that she did not do it)

▪ The printer has been broken for the past week, so she couldn’t have printed out the report. (Printed- verb’s past form)
(we know it was IMPOSSIBLE for her to do it)

Modals For Deduction About The Future

Modals for deductions about the future if we are making predictions. As you know about the future tenses, one can use will or going to for saying what one believes will happen in the future. When one is quite sure that the made prediction is certain, the word ‘definitely’ can be added to put focus on the prediction.

1. She is definitely going to love this book – it’s by her favorite author.

2. The kids will definitely be thrilled when we tell them we’re going to Essel World.

Two slightly more formal expressions that can be used for talking about the future with certainty is saying that something is certain to happen, or is sure to happen:

▪ Engineers are certain to develop even faster computers.

▪ The country is sure to come to the aid of its ally.

Modals

Below is a guide to all the modals in detail. Their usage, description and examples have been illustrated individually below.

▶️ Must

Modal verb must is used when one feels certain that something is true or it’s the only realistic possibility.

● This must be her house. I can see her car in the garage.

● He must live near here because he always walks to work.

● You have worked all day, you must be tired.

● He must live near here because he comes to work on foot.

● She’s not here. She must be in the kitchen.

● Come inside and get warm. You must be freezing out there!

● You are a pilot, that must be interesting.

● He must be around here because his car is parked there.

● He has an expensive car, he must have some money.

● She isn’t answering the phone, she must be out.

● He drives an expensive car, he must have a good job.

● You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting.

● Her son is at university so she must be at least 40.

● Carla works every day from 9 AM to 5 PM so she must be at work.

▶️ Might, May, Could

The modal verbs might, may or could are used to say that something is possible but not so certain.

● She’s not here yet. She might be stuck in traffic.

● We regret to inform you that some services may be delayed due to the bad weather.

● I heard a noise, there might be a cat on the roof

● She might be going to Australia.

● They might be some kind of small pig

● He might be in the Gym, sometimes he goes there

● Jerry is very tall so he might be good at basketball.

● She is busy, she might not be able to come tonight.

● He might be in his bedroom.

● He’s not answering. He could be in class.

● Peter could be at the library.

● Don’t eat it! It could be poisoned!

● Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone.

▶️ Can’t

The modal verb can’t is used when one feels that something is not possible.

● It can’t be easy for him, looking after three kids on his own.

● He can’t be dead, I just talked to him on the phone

● My wallet can’t be in my backpack, I already checked there

● It can’t be a mechanical problem, the car is new

● It can’t be far now. We’ve been driving for hours.

● That can’t be James, James wears glasses

● That looks like tomato juice, but it can’t be, that would be too easy.

● She can’t be a mother, she’s only 14!

● He can’t be in prison, I saw him yesterday in a pub.

● They can’t be Spanish, they’re speaking Portuguese

▶️ Must Have

The modal verb must have is used when one feels sure about what happened. It is used along with the past participle form of the verb.

● The thief must have had a key. The door was locked and nothing was broken.

● Who told the newspapers about the prime minister’s plans? It must have been someone close to him.

● Oh, good! We’ve got milk. Mo must have bought some yesterday.

▶️ Might Have / May Have

The modal verb might have or may have is used when we think it’s possible that something happened. It is used along with the past participle form of the verb.

● I think I might have left the air conditioning on. Please can you check?

● Police think the suspect may have left the country using a fake passport.

● She might have gone to the shops.»

May have is more formal than might have. Could have is also possible in this context but less common.

▶️ Might Not Have

The modal verb might not have is a negative form of might have modal verb. It is used in a sentence where it’s possible that the action did not happen, but not certain.

● «He might not have finished his exams yet.»

It is possible that he has not finished his exams, but it is also possible that he has finished them.

▶️ Can’t Have / Couldn’t Have

The modal verbs can’t have and couldn’t have are the negative forms of can have and could have. These are used when we think it’s not possible that something happened in the past. The past participle form of the verb is used along with these modal verbs.

● She can’t have driven there. Her car keys are still here.

● I thought I saw Adnan this morning but it couldn’t have been him – he’s in Greece this week.

● She can’t leave the house yet because her car is still outside.»

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Present Modal Verbs of Deduction

Use these forms to provide explanations for something that is happening
today or for current situations.
must be / do / go / etc. 
I’m almost 100% certain that it’s true.
He must be at the bank. — He told me earlier, so I’m fairly certain he
is there.
They must do that type of work. — It makes good sense that they
would do that type of work, but I’m 100% sure.
Susan must go to an expensive hairdresser. —  I’m 90% sure
because her hair is very nice, but I don’t know for certain.
might / may be / do / go / etc.
It’s a good possibility.
Peter might come to dinner tonight. — I’m not sure, but I know
he would like to come.
They may want to have dinner when they get here. — I know they
are traveling, so I think it’s a good possibility.
She might be a good choice for the job. — I think she’s got the
right qualifications, but I don’t know who they will hire.
could  be / do / go / etc.
It’s one of many possibilities.
We could go to dinner now. — That’s my idea, it’s possible, but
I don’t know if others want to do it.
They could be doing homework now. — It’s a possibility, but I
know they like to do many other things.
She could be at school. — Or she could be in a restaurant, or
maybe at work, there are many possibilities.
can’t / couldn’t be / do / go / etc. 
I’m almost certain that something isn’t true.
She can’t be cooking chicken. — I know she hates chicken.
They couldn’t be doing their homework. — It’s a Saturday night.
They never do homework then.
Alan can’t have time off. — He rarely gets time off, and he just
went on a vacation last month. 

Past Modal Verbs of Deduction

You can also use modal verbs of deduction to think about reasons why
something happened in the past. Here are the past tense modal verbs of
deduction forms.
must have done / been / gone / etc.
I’m almost 100% certain that it explains what happened in the past.
She must have done her homework. She never forgets. — I’m sure
she did her homework because she always does it.
Peter must have gone to a doctor if he felt bad. He always goes
to the doctor when he feels bad. — I know Peter well, so I know he probably
went to see a doctor. 
Sharon must have been hurt by her boyfriend. — I know they broke
up, so I’m sure she felt badly when it happened. 
might have been / done / gone / etc. 
There’s a good possibility that it explains what happened in the past.
They might have gone out for dinner. — They’re not here and
that’s a good possibility.
She might have been ill. — I think that’s a good guess because I
know her health isn’t the best.
Andrew might have done the yard work. — I know Andrew is one of
the people who usually do the yard work.
could have done / been / gone / etc.
It’s one explanation for what happened in the past
They could have been lost. — It’s a possible explanation why
they had problems.
Mark could have done the work. Mark’s one of the people who do
this type of work.
Jennifer could have gone. — Going home was one of the
possibilities
can’t (UK English)  / couldn’t (US English) have been / done /
gone / etc. 
‘m sure that it’s not an explanation for what happened in the past.
They can’t have bought that car. — I know that they didn’t want
to buy that car.
Mary couldn’t have finished the report. — I know she didn’t have
enough time to finish the report.
Jason can’t have forgotten the appointment. — I know that Jason
never forgets appointments. 

Modal Verb Types

Modal verbs are similar to auxiliary verbs and are used in the positive,
question and negative forms. Pure modal verbs are used in place of auxiliary
verbs such as ‘do’, ‘did’ or ‘have’. Here are a few examples:
Can you play volleyball?
He shouldn’t go outside today.
I must leave soon to catch the train.
May I come with you?
Pure modal verbs include:
can / should / must / may 
However, there are many forms that are used in a similar manner to the
modals and should be learned together with the basic modal verbs. These
include:
have to / need to / had better / be able to / ought to
Here are explanations of each modal verb and the forms that are similar in
usage. Explanations are divided into how the modals and other forms are used.
Each modal verb and form includes multiple examples to provide context.

Modal Verbs of Advice 

Modal verbs of advice are used to ask for and give advice to friends,
family, colleagues in a wide variety of situations. The most common is the
simple modal verb ‘should’.

However, ‘had better’ and ‘ought to’ are also possible. 

should
‘Should’ is the most common way to give advice:
S + should / shouldn’t + verb 
She should see a doctor.
They shouldn’t go to school today.
We should take a vacation soon.
(?) + should + S + verb
What should I wear tonight?
When should we have the party?
Should I go to college next year?
had better
‘Had better’ is also used to give advice, but is more formal.
S + had better / hadn’t better + verb 
Peter had better hurry up if he doesn’t want to be late.
They had better finish the work soon.
She had better write him a letter explaining the situation.
(?) + had + S + better + verb
When had she better leave for work?
What had she better do today?
Had I better finish this work?
ought to
‘Ought to’ is used to give advice, but is also more formal. The question
form is rarely used.
S + ought to / ought not to + verb 
Tom ought to look into the situation.
They ought not to be so late for school.
Angela ought to find some new friends.
‘Ought to’ is generally not used in the question form.

Modal Verbs of Ability

Modal verbs of ability express someone or something is able to do. These forms
are used to express facts or possibilities in daily situations.
can
‘Can’ is used to speak about abilities, both on a daily basis and in
specific situations.
S + can / can’t (can not) + verb 
They can play soccer very well.
Mark can’t understand French.
Birds can fly.
(?) + can + S + verb
Where can I park my car?
Can you speak Spanish?
When can I speak to the doctor?
be able to
‘Be able to’ conjugates the main verb ‘be’ rather than a modal verb.
S + be + able to + verb 
Anna is able to work five days a week.
They aren’t able to come to the meeting next week.
He is able to speak three languages. 
(?) + be + S + able to + verb
When are you able to come next week?
Is she able to help us on the project?
What are you able to do?

Modal Verbs of Permission

‘Can’ and ‘May’ are all used to ask for and give (or deny) permission to do
something.
can
S + can / can’t (can not) + verb 
She can stay with us.
They can’t use those tools. I’m sorry.
We can use their lawnmower.
Can + S + verb
Many people feel that the modal ‘can’ should not be used to ask for
permission. However, it is commonly used by many English speakers despite the
incorrect usage. When using ‘can’ to ask for permission, do not use question
words such as ‘what’, ‘where’, etc.
Can I use your telephone?
Can I have something to drink?
Can she use your car today?
NOTE: ‘Could’ — the past of ‘can’ — is also used as a more
polite form.
may
‘May’ is considered by many the only modal to use when asking for
permission. The negative form is rarely used. However, the negative form is
sometimes used to emphasize that someone does not have permission to do
something.
S + may / may not + verb 
You may start the test now.
You may not go out with your friends this Saturday.
He may see the doctor now. 
May + S + verb
‘May’ is usually used with only the pronoun ‘I’ to ask for permission in a
polite manner.
May I use your telephone?
May I ask him a few questions?
May I leave now?

Modal Verbs of Obligation

Modal verbs of obligation are used to speak about something that is
required. The two forms — ‘must’ and ‘have to’ —  are used in very
different ways.
must
Use ‘must’ to speak about strong personal obligation at the moment of
speaking. This form can be used instead of ‘have to’. However, ‘have to’ is
much more common when speaking about daily responsibilities. ‘Must’ is very
strong and should be used carefully.
S + must + verb 
It’s late! I must get going.
She must finish her test before twelve.
I must speak to Tom today. It’s really important.
s + mustn’t (must not) + verb
The negative ‘mustn’t’ is used to speak about actions that are
prohibited.
She mustn’t play with those toys.
We mustn’t leave before the end of the class.
They mustn’t use the computers.
Must + S + verb
The question form with ‘must’ is rarely used. However, it is sometimes used
to complain about something that is required of someone.
Must I do my homework now?
Must we do this test today?
Must she really leave this week?
S + have to + verb
‘Have to’ is conjugated as a regular verb with helping verbs (do, did, will,
etc.) to speak about daily responsibilities. It is often used to speak about
work on a day to day basis, but can be used to speak about specific
events.
She has to get up at seven every morning.
They have to deliver packages on time.
We have to finish the report soon. 
(?) + Auxiliary Verb + S + have to + verb
Does she have to work on this project with me?
Where do we have to go this afternoon?
When does Mary have to get up?
S + don’t / doesn’t / didn’t / won’t, etc. + have to + verb
Use the negative to state what is not required, but use ‘mustn’t’ to discuss
what is prohibited.
She doesn’t have to get up early on Saturdays.
We don’t have to worry about arriving late.
They don’t have to stay after school today.
These explanations concern the basic use of each modal and form and does not
include the use of these forms as modal verbs of probability. Modal verbs of
probability are used to express what we think is true.

Modal Verbs in basic Grammar

Modal verbs help qualify a verb by saying what a person can, may, should, or
must do, as well as what might happen. The grammar used with modal verbs can be
confusing at times. Generally speaking, modal verbs act like auxiliary verbs in
that they are used together with a main verb.
She has lived in New York for ten years. — auxiliary verb
‘has’ 
She might live in New York for ten years. — modal verb ‘might’
Some modal forms such as ‘have to’, ‘be able to’ and ‘need’ are sometimes
used with together with auxiliary verbs:
Do you have to work tomorrow?
Will you be able to come to the party next week?
Others such as ‘can’, ‘should’, and ‘must’ are not used with an auxiliary
verb:
Where should I go?
They mustn’t waste time. 
This page provides an overview of the most common modal verbs including many
exceptions to the rule.

Can — May

Both ‘can’ and ‘may’ are used in question form to ask permission.
Examples of Asking Permission with ‘May’ and ‘Can’
Can I come with you?
May I come with you?
In the past, ‘may’ was considered correct and ‘can’ incorrect when . However, in modern English it is common to use both
forms and considered correct by all but the strictest of grammarians.

Can — To Be Allowed To

One of the uses of ‘can’ is to express permission. In the simplest sense, we
use ‘can’ as a polite form to request something. However, at other times ‘can’
expresses permission to do something specific. In this case, ‘to be allowed to
do something’ can also be used.
‘To be allowed to’ is more formal and is commonly used for rules and
regulations.
Examples of Simple Questions:
Can I come with you?
Can I make a telephone call?
Examples of Asking Permission
Can I go to the party? => Am I allowed to go to the party?
Can he take the course with me? => Is he allowed to take the course with
me?

Can — To Be Able To

‘Can’ is also used to . Another form that
can be used to express ability is ‘to be able to’. Usually, either of these two
forms can be used.
I can play the piano. => I’m able to play the piano.
She can speak Spanish. => She’s able to speak Spanish.
There is no future or perfect form of ‘can’. Use ‘to be able to’ in both
future and perfect tenses.
Jack’s been able to golf for three years.
I’ll be able to speak Spanish when I finish the course.

Special Case of the Past Positive Form

When speaking about a specific (non-general) event in the past only ‘to be
able to’ is used in the positive form. However, both ‘can’ and ‘to be able to’
are used in the past negative.
I was able to get tickets for the concert. NOT I could get tickets for
the concert.
I couldn’t come last night. OR I wasn’t able to come last night.

May / Might 

‘May’ and ‘might’ are used to express future possibilities. Do not use
helping verbs with ‘may’ or ‘might.
He may visit next week.
She might fly to Amsterdam. 

Must

‘Must’ is used for strong personal obligation. When
something is very important to us at a particular moment we use ‘must’.
Oh, I really must go.
My tooth is killing me. I must see a dentist.

Have to

Use ‘have to’ for daily routines and responsibilities.
He has to get up early every day.
Do they have to travel often?

Mustn’t vs. Don’t Have To

Remember that ‘mustn’t’ expresses prohibition.
‘Don’t have to’ expresses something that is not required. However, if the
person may choose to do so if he or she pleases.
Children mustn’t play with medicine.
I don’t have to go to work on Fridays.

Should

‘Should’ is used to ask for or give advice.
Should I see a doctor?
He should leave soon if he wants to catch the train.

Should, Ought to, Had Better

Modal Verbs of Probability

Guessing

There are
a number of ways to guess in English. Here are some of the most common:

• he’s about ready to quit
  his job.
• It might need some
  oil.
• He could be in the
  garden.
• It looks like a
  miniature motor.
• he needs some time off
  work.
• they want to come and visit
  this summer.
• It’s difficult to say, but
  I’d guess
  that it’s used for cleaning house.
• I’m not really sure, but I
  think
  they enjoy hiking in the mountains.

Asking for Permission in English

How to Ask for, Grant or Refuse Permission

Asking
for permission to do something takes many different forms. Perhaps you need to
get permission to do something at work, or perhaps you need to ask a friend for
permission to use one of her possessions, or maybe you need to ask the teacher
if you can leave room the for a moment or two. Remember to use polite forms
when asking for permission to do something or use an object as you are asking a
favor of that person.

Structures
Used when Asking for Permission

Can I +
verb — VERY INFORMAL

Can I go
out tonight?
Can he have dinner with us?

NOTE: The
use of «Can I do something?» is very informal, and considered
incorrect by many. However, it is used in everyday informal speech and for that
reason has been included.

May I +
verb

May I
have another piece of pie?
May we go out with our friends tonight?

However,
this form is quite common in everyday situations.

Could I
please + verb

Could I
please go with Tom to the movie?
Could we please go on trip this weekend?

Do you
think I could + verb

Do you
think I could use your cell phone?
Do you think I could borrow your car?

Would it
be possible for me + infinitive

Would it
be possible for me to use your computer for a few minutes?
Would it be possible for to study in this room?

Would you
mind if I + verb in past

Would you
mind if I stayed a few more minutes?
Would you mind if I took a five minute break?

Would you
mind my + verb + ing + your + object

Would you
mind my using your cellphone?
Would you mind my playing your piano?

If you
would like to say «yes» to someone who asks permission, you can give
permission using these phrases:

Sure
No problem.
Go right ahead.
Please feel free + infinitive
 

When
giving permission people will sometimes also offer to help in other ways. See
the example conversations below for an example

If you do
not want to deny permission, you can these responses:

I’m
afraid I’d prefer if you didn’t / don’t.
Sorry, but I’d rather you not do that.
Unfortunately, I need to say no.
I’m afraid that’s not possible.

Saying
‘no’, is never fun, but sometimes it’s necessary. It’s common to offer a
different solution to try to help out even if you can’t give permission.

Example
Situations — Asking for Permission which is Given

Jack: Hi
Sam, do you think I could use your cellphone for a moment?
Sam: Sure, no problem. Here you are.
Jack: Thanks buddy. It will only be a minute or two.
Sam: Take your time. No rush.
Jack: Thanks!

Student:
Would it be possible for me to have a few more minutes to review before the
quiz?
Teacher: Please feel free to study for a few more minutes.
Student: Thank you very much.
Teacher: No problem. Do you have any questions in particular?
Student: Uh, no. I just need to review things quickly.
Teacher: OK. We’ll begin in five minutes.
Student: Thank you.

Example
Situations — Asking for Permission which is Denied

Employee:
Would you mind if I came in late to work tomorrow?
Boss: I’m afraid I’d prefer if you didn’t.
Employee: Hmmm. What if I work overtime tonight?
Boss: Well, I really need you for the meeting tomorrow. Is there any way you
can do whatever it is you need to do later.
Employee: If you put it that way, I’m sure I can figure something out.
Boss: Thanks, I appreciate it.

Son: Dad,
can I go out tonight?
Father: It’s a school night! I’m afraid that’s not possible.
Son: Dad, all my friends are going to the game!
Father: I’m sorry son. Your grades haven’t been the best recently. I’m going to
have to say no.
Son: Ah, Dad, come on! Let me go!
Father: Sorry son, no is no.

Find a
partner and use these suggestions to practice asking for permission, as well as
giving and denying permission as shown in the examples. Make sure to vary the
language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and
over again.

• go out on a weekday evening
  with friends
• use someone’s car for the
  day
• use someone’s cell or smart
  phone
• take a day or two off work
• skip school for a day
• play someone’s piano
• use someone’s computer
• make a copy of an article in
  a magazine

Asking for Information in English

Asking
for information can be as simple as asking for the time, or as complicated as
asking for details about a complicated process. In both cases, it’s important
to use an appropriate form to the situation. For example, when asking for
information from a friend, use a more informal form. When asking a colleague,
use a slightly more formal form. Finally, when asking for information from a
stranger, use an appropriately formal construction.

Structures
Used when Asking for Information

Very
Informal — for Friends and Family

Simple
Question: Wh? + Helping Verb + Subject + Verb

If you
are asking a friend or family member for information, use a direct a question.

How much
does it cost?
Where does she live?

More
Formal for Everyday Simple Questions

Use these
forms for simple, everyday questions in stores, with colleagues at work, and in
other informal situations.

(Pardon
me, Excuse me) Can / could you tell me + wh? + S + verb?

Can you
tell me when the train arrives?
Pardon me, could you tell me how much the book costs?

Use these
forms when asking complicated questions that require a lot of information, as
well as asking information questions of important people such as your boss, on
a job interview, etc.

I wonder
if you could explain how health insurance is handled at your company.
I wonder if you could provide information on your pricing structure.

Would you
mind telling me a little bit more about benefits at this company?
Would you mind going over the savings plan again?

Replying
to a Request for Information

I’d be
happy to answer that.
I should be able to answer your question.
It’d be a pleasure to help you.

When providing
information people will sometimes also offer to help in other ways. See the example
conversations below for an example.

If you do
not have the answer to a request for information, use one of the phrases below
to indicate that you are unable to answer the question.

Sorry, I
can’t help you out.
Sorry, but I don’t know that.
That’s beyond me.

I’m
afraid I don’t have the answer to that question.
I’d like to help you. Unfortunately, I don’t have that information / don’t
know.

Saying
‘no’, is never fun, but sometimes it’s necessary. It’s common to offer a suggestion
as to where someone might find out the information required.

Brother:
When does the movie start?
Sister: I think it’s at 8.
Brother: Check, will you?
Sister: You’re so lazy. Just a second.
Brother: Thanks sis.
Sister: Yes, it starts at 8. Get off the couch sometimes!

Customer:
Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find menswear?
Shop Assistant: Sure. Menswear is on the second floor.
Customer: Oh, also, could you tell me where sheets are.
Shop Assistant: No problem, sheets are on the third floor at the back.
Customer: Thanks for your help.
Shop Assistant: My pleasure.

More
Complex / Formal Situation

Man:
Excuse me, would you mind answering some questions?
Business Colleague: I’d be happy to help.
Man: I wonder if you could tell me when the project is going to begin.
Business Colleague: I believe we’re beginning the project next month.
Man: and who will be responsible for the project.
Business Colleague: I think Bob Smith is in charge of the project.
Man: OK, finally, would you mind telling me how much the estimated cost will
be?
Business Colleague: I’m afraid I can’t answer that. Perhaps you should speak
with my director.
Man: Thank you. I thought you might say that. I’ll speak to Mr. Anders.
Business Colleague: Yes, that would be best for that type of information. Man:
Thank you for helping out.
Business Colleague: My pleasure.

• a subject you are studying
  at school
• a new product in a store
• a friend who you haven’t
  seen for a long time
• what someone wants for a
  birthday
• how to do something you
  don’t understand
• how to cook something
• using a computer program

Asking for a Favor in English

How to Ask for, Grant and Deny Favors

It’s common to ask for favors from friends, relatives, your family, and your
colleagues. It’s important to be polite when you are asking for a favor. Use
these phrases to politely asking for a favor. Pay special attention to the form
of the verb used.

Asking a Favor

Granting a Favor

Refusing a Favor

If you are unable to help out and need to say «no», you can refuse
a favor with these responses:
I’m afraid I can’t.
Sorry, but I’m unable + infinitive
Unfortunately, I’m not able + infinitive.
Regrettably, I can’t + verb
Saying ‘no’, is never fun, but sometimes it’s necessary. It’s common to
offer a different solution to try to help out even if you can’t do the favor.

Asking for a Favor which is Granted

Hi Anna. I’ve got a favor to ask. Would you
mind cooking dinner tonight? I’m kind of busy.
Sure, Peter. What would you like for dinner?
Could I trouble you to make some pasta?
That’s sounds good. Let’s have pasta. Which
type of sauce should I make?
Would it be too much trouble to make a four
cheese sauce?
No, that’s easy. Yum. Good idea.
Thanks Anna. That really helps me out.
No problem.
Hey, could you please help me with the
homework?
I’d be glad to help out. What seems to be the
problem.
: I don’t get this equation. Would you mind
explaining it to me?
No problem. It’s difficult!
Yeah, I know. Thanks a lot.
Don’t worry about it.

Asking for a Favor which is Refused

Hello, Mr. Smith. Could I ask you a
question?
Sure, what do you need?
Would it be too much trouble for you to
let me come in at 10 tomorrow morning?
Oh, that’s a little difficult.
Yes, I know it’s last moment, but I have
to go to the dentist.
I’m afraid I can’t let you come in late
tomorrow. We really need you at the meeting.
OK, I just thought I’d ask. I’ll get a
different appointment.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Hey. Would you mind letting me watch my
show?
Sorry, but I can’t do that.
Why not?!
I’m watching favorite show now.
But I’m going to miss my favorite game
show!
Watch it online. Don’t bother me.
Could you please watch your show online,
it’s a rerun!
Sorry, but I’m unable to do that. You’ll
just have to watch it later.

Practice Situations

• loan you
  $50 for the weekend
• help you
  with your homework
• assist you
  with some paperwork such as filling out a form
• give you a
  ride
• check your
  writing or correct your grammar
• practice
  speaking English with you
• cook a
  meal
• let you
  take a day off work

Complaining in English

What to say when something isn’t right

Everyone would like everything to go well. However, that’s not very
realistic. Sometimes, things go well and we can compliment others or thank them
for the help. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes necessary to complain. If you are
shopping, you might want to complain to a shop assistant about a product. If
you are with friends, you might want to complain about an unfair teacher, or
work situation. In these difficult times, you might want to complain about
politicians and their inability to make things better. Let’s be honest,
sometimes it’s just fun to complain! Use these forms and phrases to make your
complaints heard.

Forms Used to Complain

What a(n) + Adjective + Noun !
Use this form to express your dismay that something is much worse than you
expected.
What a tasteless sandwich!
What a waste of time!
What a crappy day!
So + Adjective / Adverb
Use an adjective or adverb with a negative meaning with ‘so’ to express an
extreme degree. Make sure to not confuse this form with ‘such + noun phrase’
below.

Learn about ‘so’ and ‘such’.

The test was so difficult.
He drives so slowly.
He’s so incompetent. 
So Much / Many + Noun
Use a noun with ‘so much’ or ‘so many’ to complain about an amount of
something that you find to be excessive.
I’ve got so much work to do this week!
There are so many children in this room. I can’t hear myself think.
Such + Noun (Phrase)
Use ‘such’ plus a noun or to express that you
find something annoying or bothersome. This form is often used in complex
sentences to explain the result of a poor situation.
She was such a bad teacher that I couldn’t learn a thing.
It was such bad weather that we had to cancel the trip. 
She was late to the party because she had such a demanding boss.
Too + Adjective / Adverb
The modifier ‘too’ is used with an adjective or adverb
to state that there is too much of a particular characteristic or way of doing
something.
Those people are too loud. I can’t concentrate.
This fan is too noisy. I’d like to return it.
She drives too fast for me.
Too + Much / Many + Noun
Use a noun preceded by ‘too much or many‘ to indicate that
there is an excessive amount of something.
There are too many questions left for us to move ahead with the project.
There is too much pollution in this city. It stinks!
Anna has too much time on her hands.
Verbs Used to Complain
There are a number of verbs used to complain about things or people.
dislike
hate
despise
loathe
detest
I detest his face!
I dislike having to wait so long to get help.
I loathe red tape.
Find + Object + annoying / bothersome / ridiculous / etc.
Use the verb ‘find’ with an object and adjective to state that you find
something bothersome.
I find her very annoying.
We find these exercises bothersome.
I find your complaints ridiculous!

Replying to a Complaint

If someone complains, they probably expect you to reply to their complaint —
or at least recognize their complaint. Here are some responses to use with
someone who complains.
I’m sorry + Clause 
I’m sorry you feel that way.
I’m sorry you’ve been having such a hard time lately.
I’m sorry the price is so high.
I apologize for + Noun Phrase
I apologize for the lack of attention.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Example Situations
Example 1 — In a Store
Customer: Hello, can you help me?
Shop Assistant: Sure, what may I help you with?
Customer: I’d like to return this radio.
Shop Assistant: Certainly, would you mind telling me why?
Customer: It’s too difficult to use.
Shop Assistant: I’m sorry to hear that.
Customer: There are so many options that I can’t use it!
Shop Assistant: Perhaps we can find a radio that’s a little less complicated.
Customer: I really dislike complicated gadgets.
Shop Assistant: I hear you! Let’s first return this and then we can look for a
new one.
Customer: Thanks for your help. I didn’t want to complain.
Shop Assistant: No problem.
Example 2 — At Home
Husband: I’m sick and tired of work!
Wife: Everybody says that.
Husband: Yes, but I mean it! I hate my boss!
Wife: Why what has he done now?
Husband: He’s such a jerk. He’s so stressful.
Wife: It can’t be that bad.
Husband: Oh he is, believe me. Yesterday, he was so insulting that two
colleagues quit.
Wife: ReallY?
Husband: Yes, they said he didn’t pay enough for them to put up with his
demands.
Wife: That’s serious. Maybe you should look for a new job.
Husband: Maybe I should. I can’t stand him.
Wife: Let me make you a gin and tonic.
Husband: That sounds good to me.

There’s no end of learning, so what we can do, is keep ourselves
up to date as much as possible, Cheers!!!

 

We can use modal verbs to say how certain we are about things in the present  and also  to speculate about the past.

DEDUCTIONS ABOUT THE PRESENT

We use must + infinitive without to when we feel sure that
something is true because there’s very strong evidence.

 might, may, could

We use might, may or could+ infinitive
without to to say that we think something is possible but we’re not
sure.

We use can’t + infinitive without to when we
feel sure something is not true.

DEDUCTIONS ABOUT THE PAST

 must + have+ participle/ been+
-ing

We use must + have+ participle when we feel sure about
something in the past.

You must have been delighted when you heard you’d won the
lottery.

Oh no! Where’s my car? Someone must have stolen it!

He must have been working all day- he looks exhausted.

might/may/could + have+ participle/
been+ -ing

We use might, may or could with
the have+ participle to say that we think something was
possible but we aren’t sure.

The thieves might have escaped by car but we can’t be
sure.

can’t + have+ participle/ been+ -ing

We use can’t+ have+ participle when we feel sure something
didn’t happen in the past.

I thought I saw John in town this morning but it can’t
have been him – he’s in Greece this week.

I can’t have left it in the supermarket – I had it on the
bus on the way home.

    Source The British Council