Modals

Modals

by Loan Nguyen

Multiple Choice

That man CAN'T be a doctor. He looks too young.

• impossibility

• prohibition

Multiple Choice

You CAN'T wear jeans at work. Men have to wear a suit and a tie.

• impossibility

• prohibition

Multiple Choice

Did you know that Mozart COULD play the piano by the time he was five?

• possibility

• ability

Multiple Choice

I'm not sure where the café is. I think it COULD be in the next street.

• possibility

• ability

Multiple Choice

When you've finished the test, you MAY quietly leave the room.

• possibility

• permission

Multiple Choice

I'm busy tomorrow but I MAY be able to see you on Thursday. Let me phone you.

• possibility

• Permission

Multiple Select

1.

I don't know where Eliza is. She ____________be in her office.

• may

• might

• could

• can

Multiple Choice

Eliza's a good boss, but she_________ be difficult sometimes.

• could

• can

• may

• might

Multiple Select

We can invite Filip to dinner tonight, but I think he ____________be too tired.

• can

• could

• may

• might

Multiple Choice

You shouldn't walk home alone. This city____________ be dangerous at night.

• can

• could

• may

• might

​Can/ could

- We use can to make general statements about what is possible.

​- We use can't or cannot to say that something is impossible.

​- We use can and can't to talk about someone's skill or general abilities.

​- We use can to ask for permission to do something.

​- We use can to give permission.

​- We use can to say that someone has permission to do something.

​- We use can I … to make offers.

​- We sometimes say I can ... or I could ... to make an offer.

​- We use can't to refuse permission or say that someone does not have permission.

​- We use can't have P2 or couldn't have P2 to say that a past event was impossible.

​Can/ could

- We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain.

​- We use could to make general statements about the past

- We use could and couldn't to talk about someone's ability in the past.

- We use could to ask for permission to do something politely.

- We use could you … as a polite way of telling or asking someone to do something.

- We use could to make suggestions.

- We sometimes say I can ... or I could ... to make an offer.

​- We use could have to make guesses about the past.

-We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it​

- We use couldn't have P2 to say that a past event was impossible.

​

Fill in the Blank

Elephants ______________very dangerous.

Fill in the Blank

This bill _________correct. It's too much.

Fill in the Blank

A hundred years ago, flu _______very dangerous.

Fill in the Blank

You _______________me yesterday. I was at home all day.