Conditional - Modal verbs

Modal Verbs

These are words like 'could, 'should', 'might', and 'would'.

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Modal verbs, like 'could, 'should', 'might', and 'would', help us express ability, possibility, necessity, and advice.noton

Many of these are conditional verbs - les verbes conditionnels!

The good news?

Modal verbs are different from regular verbs because they do not conjugate or change form. Here are four modal verbs to look out for...

Could

Should

Express ability or possibility. I could play soccer for hours when I was a child.

Give advice or recommendation. If you don't feel better soon, you should see a doctor.

Might

Would

Express future actions or polite requests. Would you like some more coffee?

Express possibility. It might rain tomorrow.

No conjugations?!

Could

Should

Would

I should go home soon.

I would go skiing more if it wasn't so expensive.

I could run faster before.

You should practice modal verbs.

You would love to go to the amusement park.

You could become a doctor.

She should become a social worker.

She would tell these hilarious jokes.

She could write a book with all of her adventures.

We should see each other more often.

We would always go for a bike ride before sunset.

We could get Chinese or Italian take-out.

Making sentences

You see a doctor if you are feeling unwell. If I were you, I take that job offer. When she was younger, she run a marathon in under four hours. If we leave now, we make it to the concert on time.

might

would

should

could

Wanda the Wise

You write an advice column for the newspaper called Wanda the Wise, and there are people who need your advice. They have written you a letter describing their problem. You have to give them recommendations of what to do… or what NOT to do!

The Case of the Singing Cat

Dear Wanda the Wise, My name is Bob, and I have a very unusual problem. My cat, Mr. Whiskers, loves to sing opera at 3 AM every night. While his performances are impressive, they are also very loud and keep me awake. What should I do? Sincerely, Bob

The Bubble Bath Disaster

Dear Wanda the Wise, I'm Jane, and I accidentally used dish soap instead of bubble bath in my tub. Now my bathroom is filled with bubbles up to the ceiling! How can I fix this? Help, Jane

The Job Dilemma

Dear Wanda the Wise, My name is Sarah, and I have been offered a new job that pays more than my current one. However, this new job requires me to move to a different city, away from my family and friends. I’m not sure what to do. Any advice? Sincerely, Sarah