Language Frontier:

A Modern Ally Towards

Eloquence

1
 The Rationale; A Moulders’ Perspective

One of the main problems in learning and teaching English as a second language is the

complexity of the English modal auxiliary system. In the standard formal English the same

modals express different notions, ranging from probability through permission to obligation.

Modals are not only auxiliaries in the grammatical sense but they also appear to contribute to

the semantics of communication. Since communication is an integral part of the society, and

the most important means of human communication is language, the mechanics of language

has to be understood in terms of how it facilitates communication.

Modal Auxiliaries help us in doing functions like warning some one, making suggestions,

giving advice, threatening others, talking about memories, etc. Good understanding of these

modal auxiliaries is necessary to form various sentences.

Learning the language is full of fun and excitement. It doesn’t need to be burdensome

and tiresome, nor does to be expensive and sophisticated, but it simply need

determination and diligence and a positive outlook in life. It is as exciting as

discovering the world and all its wonders surround.

Due to the fact that many of the learners committed mistakes in the use of different

modals both in reading and writing, the making of this module has come to at least clear their

minds and be confident in using modals.

This learning module is brought into being to facilitate you active learners in your quest for

effective communication. This is designed to help you learn by yourselves the usefulness of

language in everyday life even without the supervision of your teacher. Here, you will value

your your individual strengths as well as assessing your own weaknessess and personal needs

without any pressure and tension. This is learner-friendly and outcome-centered.

Language Frontier: A Modern Ally Towards Eloquence 2

 Learning Objectives

Upon completing
this module, the
 Understand what are auxiliaries and their role as structure words in English.

 Form sentences using these auxiliaries.

 Describe the differences between and among these auxiliaries.

 List common errors in sentence formation using auxiliaries.

 Think and generate spoken and written text in English.

 Differentiate between the modals used for possibility, obligation, and necessity by

identifying these types of modals in the language around them.

 Demostrate the ability to reason deductively using modal forms.

 Define and identify modal auxiliaries.

 Learn how and when to use modal auxiliaries.

 Choose the appropriate modal to complete a sentence

 Cite the importance of modals in the sentence.

 Rephrase sentences using appropriate modals.

 Give and receive information using modals.

Language Frontier: A Modern Ally Towards Eloquence 3

 Pre-test

Directions: Choose the expression that best completes the sentence.

1. Ivy is sitting at her desk. She’s reading her botany books because she has a test tomorrow.

She _________________________.

a. will study c. must be studying

b. might study d. should be studying

2. When Mr. Reyes was younger, he ______________ work in the garden for hours. He loves

gardening. Now he has to take frequent rests because he has asthma.

a. can b. would c. could d. would be able to

3. Since we have to be there before the concert starts, we ____________ take a taxi.

a. can b. might c. may d. should

4. “It ___________ rain tonight. Why don’t you bring an umbrella?” ”That’s a good idea. May I

borrow your?”

a. might b. must c. can d. should

5. “You haven’t eaten since last night. You ________________ be very hungry.”

a. might b. will c. must d. can

6. “____________________ you hand me the can opener, please?”

a. Might b. Will c. Must d. Should

7. We need a secretary who is excellent at computers and ___________________ do

correspondence.

a. might b. will c. must d. can

8. “Is littering against the law?” “Yes, there’s a law that says that you _________________

Language Frontier: A Modern Ally Towards Eloquence 4

 throw trash on the streets.”

a. don’t have to c. must not

b. couldn’t d. might not

9. “Have you finished answering?” “Yes ________________ I leave the room now?

a. may b. should c. might d. will

10. “My teacher always looks over my shoulder when I write something.” “That

_______________ bother you.” “But it does.”

a. can’t b. won’t c. shouldn’t d. may not

Uses of SHALL and WILL

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