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Modals Handout

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Pau Llamado
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18 views2 pages

Modals Handout

Attendance

Uploaded by

Pau Llamado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FUNCTIONS OF MODAL VERBS

1. Permission—the verbs 'can', 'could' and 'may' are used to ask for and give
permission.
Examples:
a. You can borrow my pen.
b. May I speak with manager?
c. Could I leave early tonight, please?
d. You may use my room just for tonight.

2. Obligation—the modal verbs “should”, “must”, “has/have to” and “ought to” are used
to express that something needs to be done or something is necessary. They can also
be used to give advice.
Examples:
a. As a student, you must do your homework.
b. We have to wear face mask whenever we go out.
c. You should stop smoking if you want to live longer.
d. We ought to follow the rules of the school.

3. Prohibition—“can’t/ cannot”, “mustn’t/ must not” are modal verbs used to express
prohibition or something that is not allowed, to give set rules and boundaries, and to
give orders.
Examples:
a. You can’t drink alcohol when you are under 18 years old.
b. You must not use your phone in class.

4. Ability—to show that someone can do something, the ability to do something and skills
of a person. Use the modal verbs: can, be able to, could.
Examples:
I can help you with that next week. (Positive)
Jake cannot play the piano. (Negative)

Hazel is able to run quickly. (Positive)


John isn’t able to win the race. (Negative)

Jed could speak Chinese when he was still young. (Positive)


I couldn’t find the website for my online class. (Negative)

5. Probability/Possibility- to express a prediction or expectation that something will happen


now or in the future. Use the modal verbs: may, might, could, may be.
Examples:
The forecast said that it may rain this afternoon. (Positive)
They may not buy the house because they lack funds. (Negative)

My relatives might visit us tonight. (Positive)


You might not get a day off next month. (Negative)

I guess I could still go to work even if it’s raining. (Positive)


She couldn’t be in the office this early. (Negative)

6. Request—to express polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something. It can


also express offers or invitations. Use the modal verbs: can, could, will, would, may.
Examples:
Can you come to my house for dinner? (Invitation)
Will you attend the party with me? (Invitation)
Would you like to go the mall? (Offer)
May I take your order? (Offer)
Will you pass me the rice, please? (Request)
Could you please open the door? (Request)

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