Modals

Modals

By Samyak Roy

What are Modals?

Hint: Can, ​May, Should

What are Modals?

Modals are a type of Auxilary Verb. ​They are usually used with the main verb in a sentence.

They usually show ​ability, possibility or intent.

They slightly change the meaning of the sentence.

Ex: I can come to the book club at 4 pm.​

​

English

Can you give some examples?

A long list...

1. can

2. may

3. might

4. could 

5. should

These are the most common modals. Not all of them.

6. would

7. will

8. must

9. shall​

When and Why are Modals used???

What are their special characteristics?

1) Can

​'Can' is used to show ability, to ask for permission and often to also show a possibility.

I can drive a car.​

Can I get an autograph, please?​

We can win the match if we practice hard.

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

2) Could

​'Could' is used to show ability in the past, to ask for permission (very politely) and often to also show a possibility.

I could play football when I was 13 years old.​

Could you please tell me where the history books are.

Any of the teams could win.​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

3) May

​'May' is used to ask for permission, and often to also show a possibility.

May I excuse myself?

It may rain tomorrow.

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

4) Might

​'Might' is used to ask for permission (very politely), and often to also show a possibility or probability.​

Might I suggest an edit?

The ship might not make it to Antarctica in one go. ​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

5) Must/Must not

​'Must' is used when one has a strong obligation towards something and ​when we make a logical assumption.

We must not jump a red light.

It's not like Jake to skip classes, he must be ill. ​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

6) Shall

​'Shall' is used when there is a very strong possibility or certainty of an action in the near future. It is also used when one makes a commanding statement.

He shall go to London tomorrow.

You shall not disobey me. ​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

7) Should

​'Should' is used when one gives advice or a suggestion. It can also be used to show expectation and obligation.

You should visit the doctor for your shoulder pain.

He should be better at studies.

I should get going, my lawyer must be waiting for me. ​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

7) Will

​'Will' is used to show determination, promise or willingness. It also shows actions that will take place in the future.

We will will the soccer cup.

I will surely get your car washed.

Jake will have his appointment with the dentist at 10 am tomorrow.​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

8) Would

​'Would' is used to talk about the past and for polite requests, questions and opinions.​

When I was 12, I would go to the community park every day.

Would you like a cup of tea?

​

English

Try forming a sentence on your own.

QUIZ TIME!

Solve questions to strengthen your concepts.​

Multiple Choice

You ____________cross the road when the red light is on.

• mustn`t

• must

• can`t

• are able to

Multiple Choice

Last year, I broke my leg and ____________go to school for a month.

• can`t

• am not able to

• couldn`t

• shouldn`t

Multiple Choice

You _________wear a jacket because it`s cold outside.

• must

• should

• would

• will

Multiple Choice

1.  Speak up, I ___________ hear you! 

• can't
• might
• would
• should

Multiple Choice

1.  Take an umbrella, it _________ rain later.

• could
• has to
• might
• can't

Multiple Choice

Can I go to the birthday party, please?

This modal verb refers to

• lack of obligation or necessity

• necessity, obligation and prohibition

• permission and request

Multiple Select

My bedroom ______________decorating. I'm tired of the old furniture.

• has to

• may

• needs

• can

Multiple Select

_______ I use your mobile phone? It's an emergency.

• Must

• May

• Won't

• Can't

Thank You!

I hope you found it informative!​