SAINT ANTHONY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

San Francisco, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Department of Basic Education

Grade School

English 5

Lesson 13 : Modals

MODALS
Modals are considered as special verbs. They give or provide additional concepts on the function of the main
verb. They may indicate inference or prediction, necessity, request, permission, obligation, possibility, advice,
ability, prohibition, or preference.

Notice the words should and may in the given infographics. They are examples of modals. In the first
infographic, should is used to show obligation. Meanwhile, the use of may in the second infographic shows
possibility.

Modals have various forms. These forms create meanings as they carry with them their specific functions.

Activity 1: Complete each sentence by supplying the appropriate modals. Select from the given choices. Be
guided by the functions shown inside the parentheses. Do this in your notebook.
can shall would any should
1. ___________ we go? (suggestion)
2. ___________ you lend me your books? (polite request)
3. I __________ visit you more often since my place is just nearby. (ability)
4. ___________ he visit me in my dreams. (wish)
5. John __________ visit the church to regain his spiritual health. (advice)

Modals (also known as modal auxiliaries) are helping verbs used with main verbs. They express particular
mood or expressions telling whether the speaker wants to convey a fact, a possibility or a command.

Study the table below.

Activity 2: Complete each sentence by supplying the appropriate modals. Select from the given choices inside
the box. Be guided by the functions shown inside the parentheses. Do this in your notebook.

may can might shall should

1. I __________ write a song or poem for my parents. (ability)

2. ___________ I borrow your notes? (permission)
3. Connie __________ write her life story to inspire many. (advice)
4. I __________ have written my first song, if I only enrolled in such course last summer.
( possibility, with less certainty)
5. Parents of learners with frequent absences ___________ write their letters stating the reasons
of their children’s absences. (regulation)

Activity 3: Compose clear and coherent sentences using the given modals and their functions below. Write your
sentences in your notebook.

Activity 4. What are your skills or talents? Complete the prompts below using the given modals. Do this in your
notebook.

I can ____________________________________________________.
I may ___________________________________________________.
I shall ___________________________________________________.
I must ___________________________________________________.