1. Ability:
* be able to: This expresses ability in the present or future.
* Example: I am able to swim.
* be allowed to: This expresses permission.
* be supposed to: This expresses obligation or expectation.
2. Obligation:
* have to: This expresses strong obligation.
* have got to: This is a more informal way of saying "have to."
* be obliged to: This expresses a formal obligation.
3. Permission:
* be allowed to: This expresses permission.
* be permitted to: This expresses formal permission.
4. Possibility/Probability:
* be likely to: This expresses possibility.
* be bound to: This expresses probability.
5. Recommendation/Suggestion:
* be better to: This suggests something is preferable.
* be best to: This strongly recommends something.
* be supposed to: This can also express a recommendation or suggestion.
6. Other meanings:
* be about to: This expresses an action that is going to happen very soon.
* be going to: This expresses future intention or prediction.
Here are some examples:
* I have to go to work. (Obligation)
* You are supposed to be quiet in the library. (Expectation)
* She is likely to win the race. (Possibility)
* We are about to leave for the airport. (Imminent action)
Key characteristics of phrasal modals:
* They consist of an auxiliary verb (such as *be*, *have*, or *ought*) followed by a main verb in the infinitive form.
* They are often used in place of single-word modal verbs like *can*, *should*, or *must*.
* They can sometimes be used interchangeably with single-word modals, but they may have slightly different shades of meaning.
Understanding phrasal modals can enhance your ability to express nuances in meaning and make your writing more sophisticated.