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Modal Verbs

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18 views16 pages

Modal Verbs

Uploaded by

julide.ozkoc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modal Verbs

What are modal verbs?


 They are:
• Ought to
• Can
They are Auxiliary verbs that
• Could
provide additional and specific
• May meaning to the main verb of the
• Might sentence
• Must
• Shall Modal verbs are sometimes
• Should referred to as
• Will Modal Auxiliary verbs because
they help other verbs
• Would
Modal Concept Examples
Will Future Joe will travel to NY next week

Might Small probability I might move to Canada some day

Should Recommendation You should go to the doctor

Ought to Formal We ought to know about first aids


recommendation
Had better Warning I had better study or I will fail the test
Modal Concept Examples
May (1) Permission May I come in?

May (2) Good probability We may visit Mexico this summer

Must (1) Responsibility Everyone must pay taxes

Must (2) Assumption She didn’t arrive. She must be sick

Would (1) Past (used to) When I was young, I would play
soccer
Would (2) Present unreal I would buy the car but I can’t afford
it
Modals in the Past
 They are modals referred to actions that
happened in the past

MODAL + HAVE + verb in past participle

It must have been a difficult decision


They should have invited her to their wedding
Modals in Past : Modal + have + past participle
A last tip

There are few verbs which often serve as


modals too.
These are modal-like verbs

They need to be conjugated


Modals-like verbs
Modal Concept Example
Like to Enjoy I like to watch TV

Want to Desire John wants to buy a car

Need to Necessity We really needed to talk to you

Have to Obligation Susan had to pay the rent

Have got to Have to I’ve got to go now

Look forward to Future plan I look forward to seeing you again


Practise
1. My son ___ be home by now. Where can he be?

a. Have to b. Would c. Should d. Could


2. I think your thumb is broken. You ___ go to the emergency room.
a. Might b. could c. ought to d. can
3. If you are interested in losing weight, you ______ try this new diet.
a. Could b. mustn’t c. don’t have to d. had to
4. Johnnie’s fallen down the stairs! I ________ call an ambulance!
a. Will b. might c. may d. ought to
5. You _______ come too early. We won’t leave until 9 o’clock.

a. Has tob. must c. needn’t d. can’t


Practise
6. Children ________ be accompanied by an adult at the zoo.
a. Ought to b. must c. would d. mustn’t
7. You _________ talk during tests. It’s forbidden!
a. don’t have to b. mustn’t c. couldn’t d. ought to
8. I can feel the heat. We _________ be near the fire.
a. Can b. wouldc. must d. have to
9. They ________ hear him because he was whispering.
a. Wouldn’t b. mustn’t c. shouldn’t d. couldn’t
10. You’ve never heard of Britney Spears! You ________ be serious!

a. Must b. had to c. can’t d. shouldn’t


Practise
11. __________ you like to have dinner with me tonight?

a. Could b. may c. should d. would


12. You _________ let him hear about the party tomorrow. It’s a
surprise!
a. mustn’t b. wouldn’t c. couldn’t d. can
13. __________ I speak to the Chief of Police, please?

a. Must b. May c. Would d. Need


14. He has arrived late. He _______ missed the bus

a. Must have b. Should have c. Could have d. must


More practise
 Re-write the following sentences using modals so that they have the
same meaning.
1. I suggest that you get a good lawyer!

should get a lawyer


You ___________________________________________
2. A university degree isn’t necessary for that job.
needn’t have a university degree for that job
You ___________________________________________
don’t have to have a university…
3. Perhaps my father will pick you up.
My father _______________________________________
may / might pick you up
4. 4. Eating is forbidden in class!

You ___________________________________________
mustn’t eat in class
More practise
 Re-write the following sentences using modals so that they have the
same meaning.
5. Look at his dirty clothes! I’m sure he is a poor person.
must be a poor person
He ____________________________________________
6. I don’t believe that the legend of Hercules is true because there’re
many contradictions.
can’t be true
The legend of Hercules ____________________________
Use your imagination
 Think about these situations and create a sentence using modals.

1. We are going to Paris for a weekend. (Make suggestions about things


to do)
2. We start school in September. (Talk about necessity)

3. Margaret is a very talented sportswoman. (Talk about ability)

4. You have just won the lottery! (Talk about possibility)

5. Peter has got a headache and a congested nose. (Give him some
advice)
6. You want to borrow your uncle’s Mercedes Benz. (Ask for permission
politely)
Possible answers

1. We could visit the Louvre / We should go up the Eiffel Tower

2. We have to buy a new notebook

3. She can speak 3 languages! / She is able to play the piano and the violin

4. I might stop working / I may buy a new car / I can travel to New York

5. You should see a doctor / You ought to drink hot tea

6. Can I borrow your car, please? or May I borrow your car, please?

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