Modal Verbs

OUTLINE

Introduction: What do you understand by modal verb?

Main modal verbs in English and their different uses.
(Main ideas)
Detailed explanation: How to include modals in sentences?
Exemplification

Exemplification
Can expresses ability, possibility, permission and
requests. (cannot/cant)
I can jump one and a half metre high.

You can pass the exam the next year if you want.
Can she come with me to the party mum?
Can you lend me your students book? I need it for taking some
photocopies.

Exemplification
Could expresses ability and possibility in the past.
(could not/ couldnt)
Could he walk for so many hours without rest? He
a superman.

behaved like

She could go through the river, buther boat is not here today.

Could expresses politeness when referring to the

present: Could I take some fruit?

Exemplification
Must and have to express obligation or necessity.
You must read the book for tomorrow, you have to do it if you
want not to get a bad mark.

Mustnt expresses prohibition. (must not)

Children in the camp mustnt go through the river alone! It is too
dangerous!

Do you know the difference

between must and have to?
You must go to school

Now I cant my doggy,

I have to go to school

Exemplification
Dont have to expresses lack of obligation or
necessity.

You dont have to invite him if you dont want to, but he is your
cousin!

Should is used for giving advice. (should not/

shouldnt)

If I were you, I wouldnt invite him. You shouldnt invite him.

What he did yesterday was horrible. (anger)

Now it is your turn.

Now, if everything is clear enough you should be
able to do the following activity:
Imagine that one of your classmates has not come to
class today and you want to explain to him/her what
you have done during the lesson in order not to be too
behind with his/her work. How would you do that?

If you have been

able to successfully
carry out the last
activity
Congratulations!!!