Snap Language

This box is too heavy. I can’t lift it by myself.

What languages can you speak?

Only the Senate can pass this type of legislation.

Galaxies are so far away that they cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Can you help me?

Can we leave now?

Can you speak a little louder, please?

Can you open that window for me?

Can I come in? (Formal: May I come in?)

Can I borrow your pen? (Formal: May I borrow your pen?)

You can use my car if you need.

Can we leave now? (Formal: May we leave now?)

You can go now. (Formal: You may go now.)

This medication can cause headaches and dizziness.

Researchers cannot prove or disprove this hypothesis given what we know today.

I was so sick I could not even get out of bed.

By the time Pedro was 19, he could already speak five languages fluently.

Could you close the door when you leave?

Could you give me a hand with these exercises?

Do you think you could arrive a little earlier tomorrow?

This couldn’t be the answer! I’d be surprised if it were.

The candidate could have won the elections if more people had supported him.

If successful, the study could answer several questions.

I don’t think he’s coming anymore though he could just be stuck in traffic.

Bring your umbrella. It could rain later.

As astronomers develop new techniques, they could find life on an exoplanet any time now.

You’d better get ready or else you’ll be late.

I’d better leave now to avoid rush hour traffic.

The president had better fix the economy if he has any hopes of being re-elected next year.

May I open the window?

You may start now.

You may use your laptop to complete the test, but you may not use your browser to search the internet.

It may rain tomorrow.

Researchers may have proved this hypothesis, but they need to conduct more studies to be certain.

You may not enter the exam room after the exam has started.

Employees may not wear shorts to work.

You may not pay this bill by credit card. We accept only cash, checks, or bank cards.

Students may request an extension if they have a valid reason or extenuating circumstance.

Might I ask you a question?

Might we come over for a visit this afternoon?

Might I suggest something?

It might snow when you’re in Chicago. I’d bring a warm jacket just in case.

I might be late tomorrow. The rush hour traffic has been particularly bad lately.

The game isn’t over for another 2 minutes. Our team might still win if they score another goal.

I might have known he would break his promise.

You might at least say you’re sorry.

They might have pretended to be interested out of courtesy.

When you drive through a school zone, you must slow down to 20 mph and be very attentive.

Scientists must follow strict procedures to ensure that their experiments are ethical.

Students must complete their assignments by the due date; otherwise, they will receive zeros.

You have been working since early this morning. You must be tired.

They went swimming in freezing weather. They must be insane!

I didn’t realize you were in that fire. You must have been terrified.

Traffic is at a standstill on the highway. There must have been an accident up ahead.

You must see this movie! It’s great!

Before we leave San Diego, we must visit the zoo.

We must leave now; otherwise, we’ll be late!

You must not speak loudly in a library.

Students must not use their cell phones in Professor Ecks’s class.

You must not drive after you have drunk any alcohol.

Students must not enter the classroom after the exam has begun.

(modal) Need you speak so loudly?

(non-modal) Do you need to speak so loudly?

(modal) We need move quickly.

(non-modal) We need to move quickly.

(modal) You need not buy any milk. We still have plenty.

(non-modal) You do not need to buy any milk. We still have plenty.

(modal) We need not worry. Everything will be all right.

(non-modal) We do not need to worry. Everything will be all right.

Shall I get you something to eat?

Shall we help you set the table?

I have some free time. Shall I help you with your project?

Employees shall not use their emails for personal business.

Students shall complete all their work on their own.

Renters shall give a month’s notice if they decide not to renew their leases.

All parties involved shall not interfere with the police investigations.

Shall we go out to eat?

Let’s not talk about this anymore, shall we?

What shall we have for dinner?

I shall never lie to you again.

We shall perform out duties to the best of our abilities.

We shall not (shan’t) be very long.

The examinations shall be administered as scheduled.

The graduation ceremony shall shall take place in the main auditorium at 2 p.m.

The prosecutors shall present all evidence next week.

He said he would never do that again. We shall see.
(This is often said with a sarcastic tone.)

You should always check your grammar and spelling before turning in your work.

You always ought to check your grammar and spelling before turning in your work.

You should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

You ought to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

You should have studied harder for the test. Now it’s too late.

You ought to have studied harder for the test. Now it’s too late.

It’s almost 5. He should be home anytime soon.

You studied hard. You should have no trouble passing the exam.

It’s almost 5. Their plane should be landing any minute now.

Why hasn’t John arrived yet? He should have arrived 10 minutes ago.

The professor prepared all his students well. They should have no problems passing the examination.

You should (ought to) be ashamed of yourself.

You ought to be kidding! What makes you think I’d believe in your lie?

You shouldn’t have been rude to your supervisor. He’s probably going to make your life difficult from now on.

We should have left an hour ago. We’ll probably be very late.

I used to play soccer every Saturday. (I do not do that anymore.)

People used to believe that cutting a sick people’s bodies open and letting them bleed cured certain illnesses.

Did your parents use to read to you when you were a child?

The exam will start at 9 sharp.

The new bridge will open for traffic this Saturday. The mayor will make a speech during the opening ceremony.

We’ll be in Chicago for Christmas this year. Where will you be?

Professor Ecks will not (won’t) retire until the end of next year.

Unless he decides to retire, Senator Ecks will likely be in Congress for another 12 years.

This study will show whether there is a difference between these processes.

We expect that the company will hire over a thousand people this year.

He won’t be happy with you if he finds out what you did.

Don’t worry. I’ll be there if you need help.

You’ve had a long day. I’ll cook dinner tonight.

— “I’’d love to go swimming with you, but I don’t have a bathing suit.”
— “No problem. I’ll lend you one.”

Here. I’ll give you a hand with that.

Will you come in please.

Will you please shut the door when you leave.

Help me with these boxes, will you.

— “Are you ready to order?”
— “Yes. I’ll have the spaghetti with meat balls, please.”

I’ve thought a lot about. I’ll do it!

Stop asking me! I won’t change my mind.

I’ll end the lecture here so you have time to ask questions.

I won’t invite you again. You’ll always say you’ll be there, but then you won’t show up.

This stupid printer will always get a paper jam when you’re in a hurry.

My dog will always hide under the couch when there’s a thunder storm.

Professor Ecks will always end his class a few minutes late.

This printer won’t work.

Will this printer print in color?

This paper won’t address all your questions, but it’s a good starting point.

— “Would you like anything else?”
— “No, thank you. That’ll be all.”

— “Is this what you needed?”
— “Not exactly, but that’ll work.”

I know I’m right about this. You’ll see!

The company’s CEO told the employees yesterday that the deadline would be extended.
(The company’s CEO said yesterday, “The deadline will be extended.”)

Our supervisor said we would have the weekend off.
(Our supervisor said, “You will have the weekend off.”)

If won the lottery, I would still work; otherwise, I’d be bored.

If the raise had not gone into effect, workers would have gone on strike.

If Jack had been chosen for the job, he would have finished by now.

He would seem to have accepted the situation, but I may be wrong.

Senator Ecks would have to be serious about fixing this issue, before he voted in favor of this piece of legislation.
(This statement has critical, sarcastic tone. The idea is that Senator Ecks is not serious about it, which explains why he will not vote in favor of the legislation.)

When I lived in Germany, I’d take short train trips every Saturday. When I liked the place I was visiting, I’d stay overnight and explore the town.

I have fond memories of my grandparents. When I was little, they would stay with us for a week every summer. They would spoil my brother and me every day. My grandmother would teach us how to bake cookies, and my grandfather would play with us outside. Sometimes we would stay up late playing board games.

Would you come in please.

Would you please shut the door when you leave.

Help me with these boxes, would you.

Only you would do that to a friend.

How would you even think about it?

Of course the governor would look the other way! He benefits personally from ignoring the problem.

I wouldn’t say anything. It’ll only upset everyone. (If I were you, I wouldn’t say anything…)

I’d stop playing computer games at work before I got caught. (If I were you, I’d stop playing computer games…)

It would seem wise to do what your supervisor wants.

Some people would rather stay home than travel during the holidays.

Would you rather go out to eat or eat in?

I’d rather you didn’t drop in unannounced.

According to the survey results, the majority of Americans living in flood zones would rather rebuild than move someplace safer.

Most people would rather send a text message than telephone someone.

I’d rather you hadn’t called me so late at night.