Semi-modals
be supposed to, be allowed to, be likely to, tend to, happen to — using Unit 30 words.
Semi-modals are verb phrases that work like modals. They express rules, permission, probability, and chance. Every example uses this unit's rules-and-likelihood vocabulary.
A — How it works
Common semi-modals: be supposed to (expected), be allowed to (permitted), be likely to (probable), tend to (usually), happen to (by chance), be about to (very soon).
1) Rules & permission
be supposed to / be allowed to.
- You're supposed to wear a uniform at reception.
- Guests are allowed to use the gym.
- Staff aren't allowed to enter the kitchen.
- We're supposed to follow the safety rules.
2) Probability & chance
be likely to / tend to / happen to / be about to.
- The interview is likely to last an hour.
- Shops tend to refund with a receipt.
- I happened to meet the manager by chance.
- The chef is about to serve the main course.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- Guests are ___ to use the gym.
(a) allowed (b) supposed (c) likely - You're ___ to wear a uniform. (it's a rule)
(a) supposed (b) allowed (c) about - The interview is ___ to last an hour. (probable)
(a) likely (b) supposed (c) allowed - Shops ___ to refund with a receipt. (usually)
(a) tend (b) happen (c) about - I ___ to meet her by chance.
(a) happened (b) tended (c) supposed - Semi-modals take ___ + base verb.
(a) to (b) -ing (c) that
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →