MODALS (could/may)

MODALS (could/may)

COULD

"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. 

EXAMPLES:

- Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. possibility

- Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. past ability

- You could see a movie or go out to dinner. suggestion

- Could I use your computer to email my boss? request

- We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. conditional

"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen.

EXAMPLES:

- Jack could not have the key. It is impossible that he has the key.

MAY

"May" is a modal verb most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission.

EXAMPLES:

- Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. possibility

- Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. give permission

- May I use your bathroom? request permission

It's pretty easy, so let's practice!

Can, should, may or could?

Multiple Choice

We missed the concert because we______________find our tickets.

• mustn't
• couldn't

Multiple Choice

Whose bag is it? I don't know, it ______ belong to Hannah.

• could
• may
• will
• has to

Multiple Choice

You _________ eat more vegetables.

• should
• might
• may
• could

Multiple Choice

He __________ ride a bike because he never learned how.

• can
• can't
• might not
• couldn't

Multiple Choice

Which sentence shows possibility?

• I can speak Korean.
• Could I use your phone please?
• She may be at home.
• He should go to the doctor.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence shows advice / suggestion?

• You mustn't smoke.
• You should have your health checked.
• Would you possibly do me a favor?
• You can do it, don't you?

Multiple Choice

Speak up, I ___________ hear you! 

• may not
• won't
• shouldn't
• can't

Multiple Choice

____________ you play the piano when you were a child?

• May

• Can

• Could

Multiple Choice

When Vera was young, she ____________ type quickly. She took a typing class and now she ____________ type very quickly!

• can/could

• could not/can to

• could not/can

Multiple Choice

____________ I borrow your dictionary?

• May

• Might

• Am I able to

Multiple Choice

___________ you please open the door?

• Could

• Would

• May

Multiple Choice

_________ I help you to complete the task?

• Would

• must

• May

Multiple Choice

Hemant _____________ play violin when he was five.

• can

• could

• would

Multiple Choice

He _______________ not be careless with his things.

• should

• must

• may

Multiple Choice

Swamy ___________________ play football well.

• can

• might

• have to