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MODALS

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Some common modals are can, could, may, must, ought to, have to, should, shouldn't, and shouldn't. Modal phrases use a combination of auxiliary verbs and prepositions to express similar meanings. Modals are used in sentences to indicate permission, obligation, prohibition and other meanings.

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Kimberley Sicat Bautista
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1K views

MODALS

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Some common modals are can, could, may, must, ought to, have to, should, shouldn't, and shouldn't. Modal phrases use a combination of auxiliary verbs and prepositions to express similar meanings. Modals are used in sentences to indicate permission, obligation, prohibition and other meanings.

Uploaded by

Kimberley Sicat Bautista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODALS

Modals
A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used
to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation. 

Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express


the same things as modals, but are a combination of
auxiliary verbs and the preposition to.
USE MODAL EXAMPLE
PERMISSION can Can I use your phone please?
could Could you please close the door?
may May I join your group?
OBLIGATION must Students must attend the flag ceremony.
ought (to) The students ought to review.
have (to) I have to go home before 6pm.
Should You should go to church every Sunday.
PROHIBITION can’t You can’t go to the party tonight.
mustn’t Gerry mustn’t be a careless driver.
shouldn’t Jorge shouldn’t forget Mom’s birthday.
EXERCISE: Pick out the modal used in each
sentence and write beside it its use/function.

1. Abe should call Lyla after class.


2. Can I have this dance?
3. Girl, you musn’t neglect your studies.
4. Could you please give me some time?
5. You ought to make your parents proud.
Answers:
1. should-obligation
2. can-permission
3. mustn’t-prohibition
4. could-permission
5. ought to-obligation
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

1. You mustn’t smoke here.


QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

2. Can I have your attention


please.
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

3. Boys should respect girls.


QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

4. You shouldn’t be afraid to


try.
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

5. May I sit with you?


QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

6. The participants have to


register at 8 am
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

7. Look John, we can’t submit


our project late or we’ll fail.
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

8. We must never forget how


our heroes died for our
country.
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

9. The team shouldn’t be too


confident with the game.
QUIZ: Pick out the modal used in
each sentence and write beside it
its use/function.

10. Could you give me


another chance?
Answers:
1. mustn’t-prohibition
2. can-permission
3. should-obligation
4. shouldn’t-prohibition
5. may-permission
6. have to-obligation
7. can’t-prohibition
8. must-obligation
9. shouldn’t-prohibition
10. could-permission

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