Introduction to

Modals: A
Review
• I’d love to come to the cinema but I _____________ hand in this
assignment tomorrow. (must, have to, can)
• You _______ hit your sister again! Do you understand? (mustn’t, can, don’t
have to)
• _________ I borrow your black dress tonight, please? (can, must, mustn’t)
• The hostel is totally vegetarian. You ___________ cook or eat meat there.
(can’t, must, don’t have to)
• You _________ park your car here for a maximum of 30 minutes. (have to,
don’t have to, can)
• (Airport notice) Liquids ________ be in 100 ml containers and in a closed
plastic bag. (have to, must, can)
Main expressions of MODALITY: MAY, CAN, WILL

Modality is the expression of

subjectivity.

Modals do not follow the usual grammar rules for

verbs and so fall into their own special category.
 Contextual Points in the Nature of Modals:
Modals Present Past
MAY MAY MIGHT
Probability 50% 20%
CAN CAN COULD
Physical Capacity 80% 40%
WILL WILL WOULD
Probability 99% 60%

 Modals are used to communicate the speaker’s perspective in any given situation.

 It depends on the context and the degree of formality and politeness that a social situation
requires.
Examples:
Could and Would are more polite (in questions) than their present tense
counterparts, can and will.

Can Could you tell me where the nearest metro is please?

Will Would you lend me two dollars to buy a coffee please?
Using the modals with the negation is very easy. Just add not after the
modal. Pay special attention to can, however: you may write it can’t
(informal) or cannot (formal). Will is also quite specific: it is written won’t
(informal) or will not (formal).
Rephrase the following sentences using the
appropriate modal.

There is a 100% chance of rain tomorrow.

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It is impossible for them to travel to New York City for the holidays.
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Please, drive carefully tonight, ok?
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It is very unlikely that we get a loan from the bank, but it’s possible.
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I don’t want to miss Eric Clapton’s concert because I’m a fan.
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