Modal verbs

MODAL VERBS

Modal verb CAN – Ability

Ex: I can speak some words of greek.
Negative form: I can´t speak Arabic.

Modal verb CAN – Possibility/Permission

Ex: You can park here.

Modal verb CAN – Permission
Ex: Can I go on the school field trip next
week?

Negative form: You can´t miss classes
without a valid reason.

Permission- CAN / MAY

We can use CAN but also MAY.

Ex: I CAN /MAY go on the field trip.

Modal verb MUST – Obligation

Ex: You must do your homework every day.

Modal verb SHOULD - Advice

Ex: You should eat less fast food.

Negative form: You shouldn´t copy while doing the test.

Modal verb MUSTN’T – Prohibition

Ex: You mustn’t drink alcohol and drive. It’s
against the law.

MODAL VERBS

 They are auxiliary verbs we use to

express ability, obligation, prohibition…

 They are invariable
 They are followed by another verb in the infinitive form

MODAL VERBS

PAST

Modal verb CAN – PAST

Ex: In the 1991 cyclone people could get to
the emergency shelters.

Negative form: I couldn´t speak English when I
was 6.

Modal verb MUST – PAST

Ex: You had to go to school every day.

Negative: We didn’t have to wear a uniform at our
school.

MODAL VERBS

POSSIBILITY

What is it?

It MUST be a duck.

It MIGHT / COULD be a rabbit.

It CAN’T be a kangaroo.

MUST = CERTAINTY
MIGHT / COULD = POSSIBILITY
CAN´T = IMPOSSIBILITY

Going Up or Down?

Multiple Choice

You _______ read the washing machine instructions carefully or you will ruin your clothes.

• CAN

• MUST

• MAY

Multiple Choice

You ............... walk on the grass. It isn't allowed. 

• won't 

• can't 

• mustn't 

• couldn't 

Multiple Choice

....................... I go out, please?

• Should 

• Must 

• Can't 

• May

Multiple Choice

Ali didn't answer the phone. He ................. be asleep.  

• must

• can't 

• mustn't 

• couldn't 

Multiple Choice

Sean ............be working. He never works on Fridays. 

• can't 

• mustn't 

• may 

• could 

Multiple Choice

Tom ........................ come over later so I'm going to prepare some snacks.

• should

• shouldn't 

• might 

• can't 

Poll

How do you feel about modal verbs?

• I can do the exercises well.

• I can do the exercises with some difficulties.

• They are difficult.

• They are extremely difficult.