Learning Objectives

• Define a modal and conditional.

• Give examples of modals and conditionals.
• Use modals and conditionals in sentences.
WHAT IS A CONDITIONAL SENTENCE?
This form is used to talk about something that is a probable future result of a
condition. Form: If + simple present, will + base verb Example 1: If I see you later,
I will say hello. Example 2: If I don't see you later, I won't be able to say hello.
A conditional sentence is formed by a main clause (the consequence), a
conjunction (if), and a conditional clause (the condition).
There are four main kinds of conditionals:
The Zero Conditional: (if + present simple, ... present simple) ...
The First Conditional: (if + present simple, ... will + infinitive) ...
The Second Conditional: (if + past simple, ... would + infinitive) ...
The Third Conditional. (if + past perfect, ... would + have + past participle)
What is a Modal?
Depending on the meaning they express, there are five main types of
modal verbs:
Modals denoting ability: can and could. ...
Modals expressing permission: can and may. ...
Modals for likelihood: will, might, may, can, and could. ...
Modals denoting obligation: must and have to. ...
Modals for giving advice: should.
Conditional sentences with modal verbs

We are going to look at conditional sentences using the

modals “can”, “must”, “may” and “might”, instead of “will.”
The conditional used with these modal verbs is usually the
first conditional. Its purpose is to indicate consequences,
possibilities or conditions, when spoken in the present.
The modal verb “can” is used to indicate ability or possibility, let’s
look at some examples:
If you arrive early, you can catch a ride to the game with me.
Mike can help you with your homework, if you ask him nicely.
Can you look after the baby if we go to the cinema?

You can also use the conditional sentences in the negative:

If she doesn’t study for the exam, then she can’t go out tonight.
You can’t make the football team if you don’t play well.
The modal verb “must” is used for strong obligations in English, as we
see in the following examples:
If you visit Brazil, you must come stay with me.
If Mary phones you, you must tell me.
She must be on time, if she wants to come with us.

Now in the negative:

You mustn’t go to the party if you don’t want to.
She mustn’t try fix it if it’s not broken.
The modal verb “may” is used to express possibility or permission.
If I finish my work may I go home?
I may come to your house after work, if I have enough time.
Claire may help you study if you promise to work hard.
May I take you out to dinner if I promise to have you home by 11pm?
Brief Notes
Finally, we use the modal verb “might” to indicate remote
possibility, for example:
I might make it to work on time, if I leave now.
You might catch a cold if you don’t put on a jacket.
If we win this game we might have a chance of winning the
league.

The negative would be:

Kevin might not make it to the party if he doesn’t finish work
on time.
If we don’t leave now, we might not make the bus.