MODALS

Modal verbs are auxiliary

verb or what we call a
helping verb. They are
helping verbs
that support the main verb to
complete the meaning of the
sentence.
 Modal verbs can be express
through different ways and
have their own specific
function or usage: (a) modals
for permission (b) modals for
obligation and (c) modals
for prohibition.
FUNCTIO
N OF
PERMISS
ION
Can
May
Can I go to the concert?
May I go to the concert
You can go to the concert.
You may go to the concert
Can I get your bag?
May I get your bag?
You can get your bag.
You may get your bag.
OBLIGA
TION
 Must
Have to
 Our homeroom teacher said you
have to see your class record
personally.
[The person obliged you to see your
card personally because it is a
protocol/rule set by your homeroom
teacher. THAT’S THE RULE!]
You must go to our homeroom teacher
to see your class record.
[The person obliged you to go to your
homeroom teacher to see your class
record because it is necessary to do.
THE PERSON IS TELLING YOU
WHAT IS NECESSARY TO HIS/HER
 In this time of Covid-19 pandemic, the
public officials told that we have to
wear our face mask before we ran our
errands outside.
[The person obliged you to wear your
face mask because it is a protocol/rule set
by
public officials. THAT’S THE RULE!]
 I must wear my face mask
before going outside.
[You are obliging
yourself to wear a face mask.
YOU ARE SETTING YOUR
OWN RULE!]
PROHIBIT
ION
Mustn’t
Can’t