MODAL VERBS

At the end of the lesson we should be

able to:
• use the appropriate modal verbs in a
sentence;
• compose clear and coherent sentences
using appropriate grammatical structures;
• identify how modal verbs was used in the
sentence.
WHAT ARE MODAL VERBS?

Verbs that are used to indicate

ability, possibility, probability,
permission, and obligation.

They are Auxiliary or helping

verbs verbs that provide
additional and specific meaning
to the main verb of the
sentence.
LIST OF MODAL VERBS
• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Must
• Shall
• Should
Structure of
Modals
• The negative is formed by the
addition of not after the modal.

• In informal spoken English not is

often reduced to n’t.
n’t
• Tenses: all modals can refer to the
immediate present or the future.
Examples:
I can call him today.
I can call him tomorrow.
• Modal verbs do not have infinitives or –
ing forms
Example:
to can / caning to must /musting
 Primary functions of
modal verbs
• Ability • CAN
• Polite request • MAY
• Prohibition • MUSTN’T
• Making promises • SHALL
• Probability • MUST/MIGHT
• Obligation • MUST
• Request; Offer • CAN
• Giving advice • SHOULD
CAN
 I can defeat you.

I can run faster than

you.

Ability
 Arrrrrgg…nothing good to watch.
Can I change the channel again.

You keep on changing the channel..

Can I have that remote?
Permission
Honey,, can you help mommy
Find her wallet?

Request Can we go inside mommy?

 We can’t have our family picnic
in the river.

I can’t use my tool in fishing.

Possibility
COULD
Hey! Don’t do that my dear.
Do you know what will happen?

I could be in danger.

I could be eaten by
the Leon.

Possibility
I could bake cake and Ability
serve it at home.

I could cook my families

favorite food.
 Excuse me. Could you
help me with this?

Excuse me. Could you

Request
help me with this?

Excuse me. Could you

Fix my clock?
Could I leave you
here for a while?

Permission

Okay! be back soon.

Could I wait you
near the painting?
SHALL
 Shall we visit them?

Shall I call for them?

Permission
We shall discuss the
Matter with chairman.

I shall leave for Chicago

tomorrow.
Possibility
 You shall have all you wish for.

You shall be the first

one to know.

Promise
Should
 You should turn your mobile
phone off during flight.

You shouldn’t use your phone

During exam.

ADVICE
500 pesos is enough. It shouldn't cost
more than that.

Are you ready?

They should be here soon.

Expectation
May
 May I come in.

May I visit you at midnight.

Permission
 Possibility

I may not make it in time.

I may take a bus for now.

Must
 Obligation

I mustn’t stop. I need to catch up with them.

I must win this race.

 Necessity

I must buy a new part to fix this car.

I must get my tool box.

 Prohibition
This is a restricted area. You mustn’t
dump your waste here.

You mustn’t leave. Unless

you are done cleaning.
It must be the bread.

Probability

It must be my younger brother.

He forgot to remove it again.
Might
The murderer
might inside Yeah!! He might
his apartment be hiding behind
already. the door.

Possibility
You might You might
need a tutor. need a hand.
he will help we can help
you enhance you with your
your abilities problem.

Polite Suggestion
 Enhancing Activities
• Watch the video carefully and
construct sentences using modal
verbs.
• Sentences should be according to the
given functions of modal verbs.
PROHIBITION
ADVICE
REQUEST
POSIBILITY
OBLIGATION/POSIBILITY
ABILITY
We start school in
January. (Talk about
necessity)
Do you have some questions???
THANK YOU