Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

A modal verb is a type of helping verb that is used to express

• ability

• possibility

• permission

• obligation

can / could

• ability or lack of ability — "Laurel can dance very well."

• permission — "Could I borrow your pen, please?"

• offers or requests — "Could I have tartar sauce to come with the fish and chips?"

should

• advice — "You should drink 8 glasses of water."

• advice — "I should not have slept late last night."

must / have to

• to express that you have no choice

• necessity or obligation — "You must/have to pay for the things that you buy."

• necessity or persuasion — "You have to see a doctor if you are sick."

may

• formal permission / request / assistance

• "Teacher, may I go to the washroom, please?"

• "I am Matthew, your consultant. How may I help you?"

might / may

• to express that there is a chance that something can happen in the future

• a little less sure than may

• "It might rain later this evening."

• "It may rain later this evening."

will

• requests — "Will you pass the plates, please?"

• to state that you have decided to do something — "I will make sure I finish my homework."

Multiple Choice

What do modal verbs express?

• anonymity, possibility, permission, obligation

• ability, possibility, permission, obligation

• ability, property, permission, obligation

• ability, possibility, position, obligation

• ability, possibility, permission, ability, possibility, permission, obligation

Multiple Choice

Too much rain _____ cause floods in low-lying areas.

• can

• must

• should

Multiple Choice

You _____ write to us at this address or send an e-mail.

• might

• must

• may

Multiple Choice

It is so noisy that I _____ hear what the teacher is saying.

• can't

• won't

• shouldn't

Multiple Choice

Serena _____ be reprimanded for being mean to her friend.

• must

• can

• should

Multiple Choice

You _____ adhere to the safety rules.

• might

• must

• may

Multiple Choice

He _____ have eaten so much yesterday.

• mustn't

• shouldn't

• can't

Multiple Choice

They _____ break the promise no matter what.

• mustn't

• wouldn't

• may not

Multiple Choice

_____ you bring your tripod?

• Can

• Will

• Should

Multiple Choice

Choose the modal verbs

• can, could, will, must, should, may, might

• can, could, will, must, should, may, mite

• car, could, will, must, should, may, might

• can, could, wilt, must, should, may, might

• can, could, will, must, shod, may, might

THE END!