Lesson #7 – February 27, 2020

Objectives: Content:
 How to use appropriately the  Modal Verbs (Can, Could, May ,
modal verbs depending on the Might, Must)
situation presented.
 How to use the modal verb in
affirmative, negative and
interrogative structure.

Modal Verbs
Can, Could, May, Might, Must
All modal verbs have the following features in common:
 They are always followed by the “Infinitive without to”.
 They are the same for all pronouns.
 They do not need auxiliaries. They take direct negative and question forms.
 They never combine whit another verbal mode.

Common formulation mistakes
 I can to sing  She could running fast
 I can sing  She could run fast

 Conjugation, for He, She and It, adding “s” are the same for all pronouns
 She cans swim  It might rains
 She can swim  It might rain

 Using an auxiliary with a modal verb, take direct questions and negative forms
 Do you can do this ?  He doesn´t may like it
 Can you do this?  He may not like it

 Modal verbs do not combine with each other

 She will can come tomorrow.
 She can come tomorrow.

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 Different usages of the modal verbs
I. Can

1. Ability or lack ability in the present or the future

 I can see you at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Can you mange that?
 They cannot (can´t) dance

2. Giving or not giving permission

 You can use my office.
 You cannot (can´t) smoke here.

II. Could

1. Ability or lack ability in the past.

 I could read without glasses last year.
 I could not (couldn´t) last night.

2. Making a request (always in the question form)

 Could repeat that please?
 Could we have a break please?

3. Making a suggestion (only in affirmative form)

What do you suggest we have for dinner?

We could have fish.

III. May
1. Asking for permission
 May I use your pen?
 May we have a look?.

2. Strong possibility in the present or future

 It May happen again
 She May not accept the offer

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 IV. Might

1. A possibility in the present or future

 It Might happen again. (It could happen again)
 She Might not accept the offer.
 I might find a job if I'm lucky.

2. A possibility in the past (followed by Have Done)

 He Might have missed his train. (He could have missed his train)
 I Might not have managed to convince her.

Note:
 “May “can also be used to show a possibility in the past, but is less common
than might and could.

 He Might/could/(may) have missed his train.

 However, you must avoid using “May “ in a third conditional sentence:

 If a have studied more, I might /could/would/may have passed my test.

One more thing… overusing “Can”

In very informal context, we tend to use “can” instead of the appropriate modal
verb. Although this is acceptable, it is always best to use the correct modal verb in a
formal situation and in tests.

Request: Can you open the door? Could you open the door?

Asking for permission: Can I use the phone? May I use the phone?

Suggestion: We can meet next week. We could meet next week.

Possibility: It can happen again. It May/might/could happen again.

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 V. Must and Must not = Mustn’t
1. Must is most commonly used to express certainty.
2. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation.

Example:

 He must be over eighty, he was born in 1930.

 You must study hard.
 April must wear a helmet.

3. must not = mustn’t can be used to prohibit actions.

Example:

 You mustn’t kick the ball when you play basketball.

 Anakin mustn’t sleep in class.

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Look at these signs and write down the rules, regulation or advice they give. Use
your modal verbs!

can - could - may - might – must - ought to - should - will – would

Example: While lifting this pack, we should bend our knees. It could/will save from back pain.

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1. You must wear goggles in this area. Chemicals may attack your eyes.

2. You should buckle up the seat belt while driving. You will be safe.

3. You should not enter here, since this is a private property.

4. You must not enter here, otherwise you might meet with an accident by
falling material.

5. You can get information from this office. It will help you in future.

6. You ought to save the energy by closing the air-conditioned room doors
while you leave.

7. You should not loitering here, since this is an unsafe area.

8. You can use this way to exit at the time of fire in this place.

9. You should not enter in this way.

10. You should be cautious while walking here. This floor is slippery.

11. You must not enter here. Otherwise you will be prosecuted.