Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

By Ann Catrian

Modal Verbs

They are used to indicate different functions of the language, such as: giving advise, express probability and obligation, etc. Now we will review some of them:

1. To indicate ability:

• CAN

• Example: I can do many things at the same time.

• COULD (Past tense of Can)

• Example: I could play with dolls when I was a child.

• FORM

• S + CAN/COULD + V(baseform) + C.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer.

I __________ when I was a kid.

• can watch nickelodeon
  

• could watch nickeloden
  

• can see nickelodeon
  

Fill in the Blanks

2. Giving advise:

• SHOULD/SHOULDN'T

• Example: He should clean his bedroom.

• MUST:

• Example: You must take care of yourself

• FORM

• S + SHOULD/MUST + V(baseform) + C.

Open Ended

Write a piece of advise you would give to a friend.

3. To ask for permission:

• CAN

• Example: Can you help me with this?

• MAY/COULD:

• Example: May I go to the bathroom?

• FORM

• MAY/COULD/CAN + S + V(baseform) + C?

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer.

• I borrow you a pencil

• Can I borrow a pencil?

• May you borroed a pencil?

4. To indicate obligation

• MUST

• Example: I must do my homework

• HAVE/HAS TO:

• Example: I have to wear my mask when I go out.

• FORM

• S + MUST/HAVEORHAS TO + V(baseform) + C.

Open Ended

Write a rule of this school using have to.

Open Ended

Write a rule a member of your family would say to you, using must.

5. To express probability

• COULD/MAY/MIGHT: very unlikely to happen

• Examples:

• It might rain tomorrow, I am not sure

• She may be late for the movie.

• They could come by car.

• FORM:

• S + COULD/MAY/MIGHT + V(baseform) + C.

5. To express probability

• MUST/CAN/CAN'T: very likely to happen

• Example:

• You worked all day, you must be tired.

• She can't be sick. I've just seen her.

• A motorcycle can be too expensive.

• FORM

• S + MUST/CAN/CAN'T + V(baseform) + C.

Multiple Choice

Cruela _______ hot. That's a very warm coat.

• may be

• must be

• might be

Multiple Choice

I am not sure where my keys are. They ________ somewhere.

• can't be

• must be

• might be

Multiple Choice

Justice League finally came out! My friends ______ very excited.

• must feel

• might feel

• can't feel