Modal Verbs. Flashcard 1: Ability/ Permission/ Help

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What are modal verbs?

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Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, ability, permission, or possibility. Examples include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

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What does 'can' express?

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'Can' is used to express ability or possibility. For example, 'She can swim.'

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What does 'may' express?

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'May' is used to express permission or a possibility. For example, 'May I leave the room?'

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What does 'could' express?

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'Could' is used to express past ability or polite requests. For example, 'I could play the piano when I was younger.'

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What does 'must' express?

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'Must' is used to express necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt.'

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How is 'can' used in a question?

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'Can' is used to ask for permission or ability. For example, 'Can I borrow your pen?'

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How is 'may' used in a question?

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'May' is used to ask for permission in a more formal way. For example, 'May I use your phone?'

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What is the difference between 'can' and 'may'?

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'Can' is more informal and often used for ability, while 'may' is more formal and used for permission.

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When do we use 'could' for polite requests?

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'Could' is used to make polite requests or suggestions. For example, 'Could you help me with this?'

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What is an example of 'may' indicating possibility?

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'It may rain tomorrow' indicates that there is a possibility of rain.