Modal

verbs

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 Modal Verbs
May
1. Read these sentences. Can you spot the modal verbs? Permission
Then, group them according to their meaning in the sentences. Can

Ability in
a. May I use your tablet, please? I think my battery is dead. Could
the past
b. If you invite her to the party, she might come.
Possibility Might
c. Can I go out, mum, please? I won’t be late, I promise.
d. I could play the guitar when I was young. I quit for no reason. Prohibition Mustn’t
e. We must all work together to overcome these problems.
Opinion/
f. You should have a plan B in case your plan A is too ambitious. Should
advice
g. Shall we invite John or not? He was a bit rude last time.
Suggestions Shall
h. You mustn’t use my computer. If you step out of line again, I’ll
have to tell dad. Obligation Must

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 Modal Verbs
2. Choose the correct modal verb.
Which meaning does each of these modal verbs give to the sentence?
Possibility Deduction Permission/Request Opinion/Advice Obligation

a. I think parents can/should listen to their children more often. Opinion/Advice

b. Teachers could/must be able to help teenagers with their problems. It’s part of their duty. Obligation

c. Can/ shall I go on the school trip, please? Permisson/Request

d. You shouldn’t/mustn’t take pictures here. It’s forbidden! Prohibition

e. “Why hasn’t Pam arrived yet?” “She must/would have missed the bus.” Deduction

f. Teenagers may not/shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for themselves. Opinion/Advice

g. I may/can get a better mark this time. I think you’ve just answered all my questions. Possibility

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 Modal Verbs
3. Rewrite the sentences using a modal verb.

a) Not all teenagers are able to choose a career by themselves.

Not all teenagers ________________________________________
CAN choose a career by themselves.
b) Teenagers are forbidden to chat on their phones until late at night.
Teenagers ______________________________________________
MUSTN’T chat on their phones until late at night.
c) Am I allowed to go out for dinner with my friends tonight?
__________________________
CAN I go out for dinner with friends tonight?
d) Teenagers had better spend less time online.
Teenagers ______________________________________________
SHOULD spend less time online.
e) Ryan is likely to win the contest today.
Ryan ___________________________________________________
MAY/MIGHT win the contest today.

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