Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

Language Functions

Definition

• Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions

Ability

• Can

• Could

• Be able to (future)

Multiple Choice

George __________ play tennis very well when he was young.

• can

• could

• will be able

Multiple Choice

Katherine ______ speak English fluently.

• can

• cans

• could

• will be able

Asking for and Giving Permission

Can, Could, May, Might

Poll

___________ you lend me a pencil, please?

• Can

• Could

• May

• Might

Asking for and giving permission

• Can, Could, May, Might

• Do you mind if...

• Would you mind if...

Giving Advice

• Should: The most common

• Have to and must: from a superior (elder brother, boss, parents...)

Multiple Choice

Daniel doesn't know what to do? What do you think he _______ do?

• must

• has to

• have to

• should

Multiple Choice

Doctor: You need to give up smoking; it's something you ______ do.

• has to

• have to

• should

Possibility, Probability, Deduction

• Can: absolutely untrue

• Might, May, Could: doubts

• Must: absolutely true

Multiple Choice

Erika always does really well on exams. She _________ study a lot.

• may

• could

• might

• must

Necessity / Obligation

• Must: very strong, written

• Have to: informal, strong, speaking

• Need: informal

Multiple Choice

When a police officer asks to see your driver's license, you _________ show it to him/her

• must to

• must

• have

Multiple Choice

If you want to speak English, you ______________ practice every day.

• must

• have to

• has to

Multiple Choice

You __________ to go to the supermarket. There is enough food in the refrigerator.

• don't have to

• mustn't

• needn't

Prohibition

• Mustn't: Strong, Authority, Written

• Can't: Common, questions

• May not: Formal

Multiple Choice

It is not mandatory to wear a tie, this means that you ___ wear one

• Must

• Should

• Should not

• Don't have to

Multiple Choice

It is an obligation to wear your uniform correctly. You ____ fit your shirt.

• Must

• Should

• Should have

• Have to

Poll

Did you find this presentation useful?

• Very useful

• Somehow useful

• A bit useful

• Not useful at all