A MODAL VERBS STORY

ENGLISH

STORY

MODAL VERBS IN CONTEXT

MODAL VERBS

Can/Could

To say something is an option or a possibility. (Nothing is stopping it from being one.)

Shall/Should

To say something is the right thing to do.

May/Might

To say there is more than one option or possibility.

Story time

Must/ Have to

To say there is only one reasonable possibility. / Obligation

start

Will/Would

To say the chosen option or possibility. For example, to say what we decide or predict.

01

The lady needed help

Suddenly a young boy passed by and saw the lady, gasping for air, and he made this question to himself: "Should I help this woman?" I think I should help her.

02

You can do it.

Then he thought: "I know I can, I have the strength and youth.Yes I can.

03

Too much thinking

Then he thought again: "I could help her; I have the time... yes I could...

04

There is not much to think

Finally, a pretty, young girl passed by and saw the old lady too. She approached without hesitation and the old lady said: "Would you help me young lady? That lazy lad is too thoughtful to do nothing"

05

There is not much to think

And the girl replied: "Of course, I will help you mam"

06

My duty

Oh! This is very foolish of me. I must help every person who needs it, that's my duty.

MODAL VERBS

So, as you can figure out from the story, the boy thought many scenarios, let's check them out in the following chart.

+ info

modal verbs story scenarios

1. Suggestion if he SHOULD help the lady or not. 2. An ability when he CAN help her, because he is capable of doing it, and… 3. A possibility where he COULD help her, and he missed then the girl appeared. 4. Then, the lady asked for help (WOULD) directly to the girl, leaving the boy looking stupid. 5. Finally the boy realized it was his duty to help (MUST).