9

English
Quarter 1 -Module 3:
Modal Verbs of Permission
and Prohibition

i
English – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Modal Verbs of Permission and Prohibition
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to
use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and
authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Mary Ann G. Gemina
Editor: Mary Ann P. Gemota
Reviewer: Matilde A. Duangon
Layout Artist: Gretchen O. Macapobre
Subject Area Supervisor: Matilde A. Duangon
Management Team: Ronald G. Gutay, Allan B. Matin-aw, Mary Jane J. Powao,
Aquillo A. Rentillosa, Cristina T. Remocaldo
ADM Coordinator: Ryan B. Redoblado

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region VII – Central Visayas

Office Address: Department of Education – Carcar City Division
Learning Resources Management Section
P. Nellas St., Poblacion III, Carcar City, Cebu
Telefax: (032) 487- 8495
E-mail Address: carcarcitydivision@yahoo.com

ii
 9

English
Quarter 1 - Module 3:
Modal Verbs of Permission
and Prohibition

iii
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the English 9 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Modal

Verbs of Permission and Prohibition!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum
while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also
aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

iv
For the learner:

Welcome to the English 9 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Modal

Verbs of Permission and Prohibition!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create
and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in
your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled into process
what you learned from the lesson.

v
 What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will
help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

vi
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help your mastery. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains:

Lesson 3 – Modals of Verb as Permission and Prohibition

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Use modals of verbs as permission and obligation.

2. Differentiate modals of verbs as permission from prohibition.

3. Express oneself using modals of verbs as permission and

prohibition.

1
 What I Know

Look at the school signages carefully. Match them with the correct
statement found inside the box. Write the letter on the space provided.

1. 2.

_______ _______

Source: https://bit.ly/3biDblC Source: https://bit.ly/3jARncp

3. 4.

_______ _______

Source: https://bit.ly/32O29VM Source: https://bit.ly/34TjUpC

5.

_______

Source: https://bit.ly/3bfexCh

A. You can wash your hands in this area.

B. You must not use cellphone during class
hours.
C. You may read books here.
D. You can’t bring food inside the computer
laboratory.
E. You should keep quiet.

Concept Checking Questions:

1. What are words in bold?
2. What are the functions of these words in bold?
3. How do they differ?

2
Lesson Modal Verbs of Permission
3 and Prohibition

What’s In

Find Out!
Ask someone around you and do what is asked. Write your answers on the
space provided.

1.
FIND OUT
How many people at home were allowed to watch
the tv tonight? _______________________
2. FIND OUT
Who are the people not allowed to go out from
their houses?
_______________________
3. FIND OUT
How many people at home were allowed to eat
vegetables?
______________________
FIND OUT
4.
How many people at home were allowed to drink
coffee?
_______________________
FIND OUT
5.
How many people at home were allowed to use the
computer?
_______________________
FIND OUT
6.
How many people at home were allowed to decide
for the dishes to cook? _______________________
7. FIND OUT
How many people were allowed to wear a
uniform? _______________________

3
8.
FIND OUT
How many people had to go to bed at a certain
time? ______________________
9. FIND OUT
How many people had to look after a younger ______________________
brother or sister?

10. FIND OUT

How many people had to wash the laundry? ______________________

What’s New

Modal verbs help when speaking about ability, making requests and
offers, asking permission, and more. The modal verbs in English differ from
other verbs, because they are not used separately, and do not indicate a
specific action or state, they just reflect its modality, the attitude of the
speaker to the action.

What is It

Do you know how to use modal verbs to talk about permission and prohibition?
Modal verbs to talk about permission - means allowing something to be done.
Can is most often used to ask for or give permission but may and could are also
possible even though they are not used as often as can.
Examples: Can I borrow a pen?
You can sit here, the seat is free.
Could I open the window?
May I ask a question?

Modal verbs to talk about prohibition - means not allowing something to be

done. Can’t and mustn’t (must not) are used to show that something is prohibited
(not allowed). Can’t usually gives the idea of something that is against the rules.
Mustn’t usually means that it is the speaker who is setting the rule.
Examples: You can’t go into the restaurant without a tie.
You can’t drive in this country unless you are over 18.
You mustn’t use your cellphone in class.

4
 What’s More

This activity will check your understanding on how and when to use
modal verbs of permission and prohibition.

Activity 1

Read the sentences carefully and choose the correct modal verb.

1. I _______ watch TV late at night. My parents say I must go to bed

early.
a. can't b. must c. don't have to d. can

2. 2. You _______ make noise in this area

a. can b. must c. mustn't d. don't have to

3. You ______ speak on the mobile phone on an airplane.

a. can b. must c. mustn't d. don't have to

4. I ________listen to the music I like. My parents like it too.

a. can b. must c. mustn't d. don't have to

5. He ____ go to school tomorrow. He has a fever.

a. can’t b. must c. mustn't d. may

6. Hello, ____ I speak with Mr. Smith please?

a. could b. may c. can d. mustn’t

7. “__________I leave early?- “No, you can't!”

a. can b. must c. mustn't d. could

8. “You __________go as soon as you have finished your exam."

a. could b. must c. may d. couldn’t

9. You _________ borrow my book if you want, Diane."

a. can b. must c. mustn't d. don't have to

10. __________ I use your restroom, please?

a. May b. Can c. Could d. Must

©Source: https://bit.ly/3hRrEff

5
Activity 2
These modal verbs for permission exercise check your understanding of
using may and can. Do you know when to use each modal? Try this activity to test
your grammar.
Choose the correct question/ statement.
1._________ to the mall?
a. May I went to the mall?
b. May I go to the mall?
c. May I going to the mall?
2._________ she _________again?
a. Can she tries again?
b. Can she try again?
c. Can she tried again?
3. You _______here
a. You may stay here?
b. You may stay here.
c. You may stays here?
4. Could I ________ with Fred please?
a. Could I speak with Fred please?
b. Could I to speak with Fred please?
c. Could I to speaks with Fred please?
5. She ___________ another glass.
a. She can have another glass.
b. She can has another glass.
c. She can had another glass.

©Source: https://bit.ly/2QGOA52

What I Have Learned

Exercise 1: Jumbled sentences: put the words in the correct order to make
statements or questions. Underline the modals used in each sentence.

Example: here - not - you - park – must. You must not park here.

1. You –put- can- shoes- your- coat- and - there- over______________________.

2. These-may-pages-photocopied-be-classroom-for-use. ____________________.
3. can - the - she - violin - play ? __________________________________________?
4. you- see- can- bird- the- on- roof- the?__________________________________?
5. bag- be- worn- may- the- over- the- shoulder.___________________________.
These modal verbs exercise checks your understanding on the use of modals.
Do you think you can choose the correct modal verb for each situation? Find out
below.

6
 What I Can Do

The rules of this class - Modals of Prohibition and Permission

Fill the gaps below with modals verbs to make the real rules in this class:

Suggested modal verbs

• can’t = mustn’t = aren’t allowed to

• can = are allowed to

Fill the gaps below with modals verbs to make the real rules in the class:

1. You _________ miss the class because of club activities.

2. You _________ say you didn’t do the homework just because you didn’t
understand or remember.
3. You _________ ask the teacher to explain again and again until you
completely understand.
4. You _________ touch or look at your mobile phone during the class.
5. You _________ ask the teacher for advice about improving your English
outside class.
6. You _________ use the internet or books to help you with your homework.
7. You _________ copy your homework from someone else.
8. You _________ ask for copies of the materials from classes that you missed.
9. You _________ ask the teacher to check any extra work that you do.
10. You__________ use a dictionary, but you have to ask the teacher first.

Source: Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com © 2015

Assessment

Activity A: Multiple Choice: Read the sentences carefully and choose the
letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. David is 14 years old. He _____________ have a driving license.
a. can’t b. can c. mustn’t d. couldn’t

2. ________you pass me the butter, please?

a. must b. can’t c. mustn’t d. can

7
 3. Jane is so intelligent! She ______speak five languages.
a. can b. could c. must d. can’t

4. You__________ smoke in hospitals. It's totally forbidden!

a. mustn’t b. can’t c. couldn’t d. can

5. How _______I get to Oxford Street from here, please?

a. must b. can’t c. mustn’t d. can

6. She is so different. You ___________ be her sister.

a. mustn’t b. can’t c. couldn’t d. can

7. It is the last train. We ___________ miss it.

a. must b. can’t c. mustn’t d. can

8. Excuse me. ___________ I ask you a question?

a. can’t b. can c. must d. may

9. The actor looks good. But I __________stand his voice.

a. must b. can’t c. mustn’t d. can

10. The bag ______be worn over the shoulder.

a. may b. can’t c. must d. mustn’t

©Sources: https://bit.ly/3binpah
: https://bit.ly/2QPpEIJ

B: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

In 1 whole sheet of paper write five sentences on what you believe you can
do and two more sentences about what you think you can’t do.
When you write ‘can do’ sentences, you must write the truth.
E.g. I can play the guitar.
When you write ‘can’t do’ sentences, you should write what you can’t do.
E.g. I can’t fly a plane.

After completing the sentences, explain the difference between modals of

permission and prohibition.

C. It’s the Rules!

Express oneself using modal verbs of permission and prohibition by

connecting the following actions with the correct pictures and create
questions and answers about them. Use this form: Can we …..in the forest?
No /Yes, we can/can’t …. in the forest.

8
 Example:

Can we make a fire in the forest? No, we can’t make a fire in the forest.

make a fire play loud music hunt animals

shout sleep in the grass look for mushrooms

Source: https://bit.ly/3jEbWEV Source: https://bit.ly/3lGCVBn Source: https://bit.ly/3jByExo

Source: https://bit.ly/3bmHT1m Source: https://bit.ly/32RLmkG Source: https://bit.ly/3bih2nr

©Sources: https://bit.ly/2QOZfdT

: https://bit.ly/2ESJkJb

Additional Activities

In this portion, another activity will be given to you to enrich your knowledge
or skill of the lesson learned. This also tends retention of learned concepts.
Write at least 5 rules for the following places/areas using modals of permission
and prohibition.

1. Swimming pool
2. School
3. Jail

9
 Answer Key

What's More
Activity 1 What I Have Learned
1. A
2. C 1. May I ask her?
3. C 2. We must drink milk!
4. A 3. Can she play the
5. A violin?
6. B 4. Can you see the bird
7. A on the roof?
8. C 5. The bag may be worn
9. A over the shoulder.
10. A
Activity 2
1. B
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. A

What I Can Do

Suggested answers
1. You can’t miss the class because of club activities.
2. You can’t say you didn’t do the homework just because you didn’t understand
or remember.
3. can ask the teacher to explain again and again until you completely understand.
4. You mustn’t touch or look at your mobile phone during the class.
5. You can ask the teacher for advice about improving your English outside class.
6. You can use the internet or books to help you with your homework.
7. You can’t copy your homework from someone else.
8. You can ask for copies of the materials from classes that you missed.
9. You can ask the teacher to check any extra work that you do.
10.You can use a dictionary, but you have to ask the teacher first.

10
References

• https://www.teach-this.com/ modal-verbs-obligation-prohibition
• http://www.advanced-english-grammar.com/modal-verbs-of-permission.html
• https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/modal-verbs-1-permission-
prohibition-obligation-no-obligation
• http://www.learnenglish-online.com/grammar/modals/tests/modalpermission.html
• https://englishbyle.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/musnt-cant.pdf
• https://www.e-grammar.org/modal-verbs-can-may-must

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region VII – Central Visayas

Office Address: Department of Education – Carcar City Division
Learning Resources Management Section
P. Nellas St., Poblacion III, Carcar City, Cebu
Telefax: (032) 487- 8495
E-mail Address: carcarcitydivision@yahoo.com

11
For teachers only (English 9 – Module 3 Answer Key)

Assessment
A.

1. A
2. D
3. A
4. A
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. D
9. B
10. A

B. Answers may vary

C. Note: Consider learners’ answers.

1. can’t/No shout
2. can/Yes sleep in the grass
3. can’t/No hunt
4. can/Yes look for mushrooms
5. can’t/ No play loud music

12