Modal Verbs lesson

MODAL VERBS

Would

Could

1. What are modal verbs?

2. Modal verbs of probability.

Can

Must

3. Modal verbs of ability.

4. Modals of permission.

5. Requests, offers and invitations.

May

Modals of probability

Use

to say that something is possible, but not certain (algo es posible pero no seguro)

Could, May, Might

Subject + modal verb + verb (base form) + C

They may come by car.

Albert might be at home.

If we don't hurry, we could be late.

Modals of probability

Negative form (-)

Subject + modal verb + not +verb (base form) + C

Kate may not come by car.

Albert might not be at home.

Interrogative form (?)

Modal verb + Subject +verb (base form) + C + ?

Could James be at his office ?

May Jordan come to Kenny's party ?

Modals of probability

Use

Can

to make general statements (declaraciones) about what is possible:

It can be very cold here in winter.

(it is sometimes very cold in the winter)

You can get lost in this town.

(People often get lost in this town)

Modals of probability

Be careful!

Do not use can to talk about specific events:

A: Where's John? B: I'm not sure. He may/might/could be (NOT can) in his office.

That dog can be dangerous. (= Sometimes that dog is dangerous. I know.)

That dog may/might/could be dangerous. (= I don't know.)

Modals of certainty (certeza)

Use

Must

to show we are sure something is true and we have reasons for our belief

Kevin must know about animals, he is a vet.

to suggest something is true and you have reasons for your suggestion

Should

It's nearly six o'clock. They should arrive soon.

Negative form

Should

+ not

shouldn't

(Listen how to pronounce.)

Jessie should not watch horror movies at night.

Interrogative form

Should + Subject + verb + C + ?

Should Marcy listen to her doctor?

Modals of ability.

Use

Can Can't

to talk about someone's skill or general abilities

Kevin can play the piano.

Janis can't dance very well.

Could Couldn't

to talk about the past.

I could speak chinese when I was young,

Asking for permission.

Use

Can

to ask permission to do something. (informal)

Can Frank come later?

Could May

to ask permission to do something. (formal and polite)

Could you close the window, please?

May I go to the restroom, please?

Giving permission.

Use

Can

to give permission.(informal)

You can go home now.

Naveen can't go to the beach.

( refusing permission)

is a more formal and polite way of giving permission

May

Dorian may go to Jason's party.

Henry may not go to BTS concert.

( refusing permission)

Requests (peticiones)

Use

Could you... Would you...

as polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something.

Could you take a message, please?

Can you... Will you...

are less polite ways.

Will you carry this for me?

Offers and invitations

Use

Can I....

to make offers (ofrecerse a )

Can I carry that bag?

Would you like to ( verb)

for invitations (formal and polite).

Would you like to

go to

the cinema tonight?

Question 1 Complete the sentence

I don't know where Elizabeth is. She _____ be in her office.

can

may

Right!

"may", shows possibility.

Next

Question 2

There are different type of shoes. They ___ be for kids, women or man .

might

can

RIGHT!

"can" shows general statements.

Next

Question 3 Choose must or should.

You look tired. You ____ sleep early.

should

must

Right!

use "should" to make suggestions.

Next

Question 4 choose must or should.

Abigail is a math teacher. She ____ know how to solve this problem.

should

must

RIGHT!

Next

Question 5 Choose the best option

When Tina was 8, she ____ play the violin.

could

can

Right!

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Next

Question 6 Choose the best option

(informal) Mom,_____ I go to Julia's party?

May

Can

RIGHT!

Next

Question 7 Choose the correct modal verb

_____ you like to ____ ?

Will, dances

Would, dance

RIGHT!

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Next

Question 8: Choose the correct modal verb

Liz can play the keyboard and violin.

request

ability

offer

permission

RIght!

in this case, "can" shows ability.

Next

Question 9

It is cold, you should wear a sweater.

probability

offer

suggestion

request

RIGHT!

Next

Question 10

Jenny and Luke may come by car.

probability

offer

Request

invitation

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