AUSC - Int unit 5 - modal verbs

Modal verbs

By Jessica Scoullar

​Modal verbs tell us if an action is:

Possible - can
Impossible - can't
Compulsory - must; have to
Forbidden - mustn't; can't
Optional - can; don't have to
A good idea/the right thing to do: should; ought
A bad idea/the wrong thing to do; shouldn't; oughtn't
uncertain - could; may; might; couldn't; mightn't; may not
certain in the future - will; shall
hypothetical (imagined) - would

Modal verbs go before the main verb

I go to the shops. - go is the main verb

I can go to the shops. = This is a possible action.

I should go to the shops. = This is a good idea

I can't go to the shops. = This is not a possible action.

I will go to the shops. = This is certainly going to happen

I might go to the shops. = I am not sure this is going to happen.

By changing the modal verb we change the how the speaker thinks about the action.
The main verb after a modal verb is always the infinitive (present simple).

Categorize

Options (6)

can

can't

have to

must

should

shouldn't

match the modal verb to the meaning

possible

impossible

compulsory

a good or bad idea

Categorize

Options (12)

can

don't have to

mustn't

can't

could

may

might

would

wouldn't

couldn't

mightn't

may not

Organize these options into the right categories

optional

forbidden (not allowed)

uncertain

imaginary

Modal verbs of permission

We see these modal verbs a lot in rules and instructions:

Compulsory: must (formal); have to (informal) - the action is not optional - you will get in trouble if you don't do it.
You must have a visa to enter Australia.
You have to do your homework every week.

Forbidden: mustn't (formal); can't (informal) - the action is not allowed - you will get in trouble if you do it.
You mustn't drink and drive.
You can't smoke inside.

​Modal verbs of permission

Optional: can (positive); don't have to (negative)
You can use your phone in class if you want to. - free to do if you want
You don't have to do the activities on page 6. - free to not do if you want

Drag and Drop

You ​

Placeholder

smoke on an airplane.

You ​

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leave your shoes on if you like.

You ​

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have a valid myki card to travel on the train.

You ​

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eat it if you don't like it.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

mustn't

can

must

don't have to

Drag and Drop

You ​

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do homework over the holidays.

You ​

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wash the dishes or they will go mouldy.

You ​

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leave that there! It is blocking the doorway.

You ​

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use my computer if yours isn't working.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

don't have to

have to

can't

can

Modal verbs of advice

Should can mean two different things:
1. This is a good idea, I would recommend it.
2. This is the right thing to do, you will be a bad person if you don't do it.

Shouldn't is the negative form of should.
1. This is a bad idea and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. This is something that would make you a bad person if you do it.

Ought/oughtn't is an old form of should. It is not used very often but you may see it in old writing or in very formal writing.

Categorize

Options (8)

You should see the Opera House in Sydney.

You shouldn't eat there, the food is bad.

You should be kind to your mother.

You shouldn't hit your brother.

You should try this cake, it is delicious.

You shouldn't go, it is very expensive.

You should clean up after yourself.

You shouldn't smoke near children.

Which use of should do these sentences show?

A good idea - recommended

A bad idea - something to avoid

Something a good person would do

Something a good person wouldn't do

Dropdown

You​

Select answer

go out and have fun with your friends on the holidays.

You​

Select answer

help your parents look after the house.

You​

Select answer

spend money you don't have.

You​

Select answer

try the pizza place down the street. The food is great!

You ​

Select answer

have pets if you can't look after them.