Advanced modal expressions

Rules

• Rule 1: needn't have + V3

  The action was done, but later it turned out to be unnecessary.

  Pattern: subject + needn't have + V3

  Example: You needn't have bought bread. We have plenty.

  Example: I needn't have run. The bus was late.

• Rule 2: didn't need to + verb

  It wasn't necessary at the time. Usually the action wasn't done. Learners often mix the two up: ask “Did I do it?”

  Pattern: subject + didn't need to + base verb

  Example: I didn't need to cook; we ordered pizza.

  Example: She didn't need to study, so she went out.

• Rule 3: be bound to / be likely to / be sure to

  be bound to and be sure / certain to = “will certainly”. be likely to = “will probably”; be unlikely to = “probably won't”. All take to + base verb.

  Pattern: be + bound / sure / likely + to + verb

  Example: Our team is bound to win today.

  Example: The roads are likely to be busy.

• Rule 4: be supposed to, be due to, be to

  be supposed to = a rule, expectation or plan; was supposed to = it was expected but didn't happen; not supposed to = not allowed. be due to is for timetables; be to is for formal instructions and arrangements.

  Pattern: be + supposed / due + to + verb · be + to + verb

  Example: We are supposed to be quiet in the library.

  Example: The movie was supposed to start at six.

Common mistakes

• You needn't have to bring food. → You needn't have brought food.

  The pattern is needn't have + V3; no *to* in between.

• We suppose to be there at five. → We are supposed to be there at five.

  Don't forget be and -d: *are supposed to*.

• It's bound rain later. → It's bound to rain later.

  bound always comes with to.