MODALS

*Verbs that need

another verb are
called modals.
*They are also called
helping verbs.
Examples of modals
are: may, shall, will,
can, must, could and
ought to.
*Modals are used
with the base
form of the verb.
We use modals to
show if we believe
something is certain,
probable or possible
(or not)
We also used modals
to talk about
 ability
 asking permission
 making request and
offers and so on.
To show ability

Example:
Agui and Bulawan
can make the earth
tremble.
Agui and Bulawan
can make the earth
tremble.
The modals can is
used to show ability.
More examples:
1.Their grandfather will
make them reconcile.
2.Shall we watch this movie?

3.They may like this new

recipe.
4.When she was younger.
She could walk a mile.

5.Deanne ought to do her

homework every day.
6.Chefs must come with
their clean aprons on.
Here are the general characteristics
of modals you should remember.
 A modal does not change
whether the subject is singular or
plural.
Examples: He can learn.
I can learn.
You can learn.
They can learn.
We can learn.
 A modal is always used
with the basic form of the
verb.
Examples: I can run.
I may run.
I could run.
I might run.
I must run.
 Modals can be used alone to
answer a question.
Examples:
Can you sing? I can.
Could you sing? I could.
Must you come? I must.
May I borrow this? You may.
 Modals, when joined with „not‟
to form a negative statement,
can be contracted.
Examples:
I cannot run. I can’t run.
I will not run. I won’t run.
I could not dance. I couldn’t dance.
I would not forget. I wouldn’t forget.
I must not fail. I mustn’t fail.
Complete the following sentences using can (cannot)
or could (could not). Be ready for group reporting.

1. I _____ go to the concert last night because I was

sick.
2. Carlito _____ cook Bicolano food?
3. My nephew _____ speak Chinese when he was
younger.
4. They _____ go shopping yesterday because the
department store was closed.
5. Arielle _____ already read when she was five
years old?
Complete the following sentences using may
(may not) or might (might not). Be ready for
group reporting.

1. When I grow up, I _____ become a chef.

2. There is a small chance that we _____ go to
the amusement park this weekend.
3. There is a good chance that we _____ have
to postpone the closing program.
4. Father and I _____ cook dinner tonight.
5. The airplane _____ crash.