MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS
STRUCTURE

Modal verb + 1st

MODAL VERBS column verb

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POSSIBILITY
PROBABILITY
MODAL VERBS

POSITIVE IDEAS:

95% OF SURE
MUST

MAYBE
COULD
MAY
MIGHT
 POSSIBILITY/PROBABILITY – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
She must be tired, she is yawning.

They are similar. They could be siblings or cousins.

I may stop by your house tonight.

I might have a painkiller in my purse

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POSSIBILITY
MODAL VERBS

NEGATIVE IDEAS:

95% OF SURE
CAN’T

MAYBE MAY NOT

MIGHT NOT
 POSSIBILITY / PROBABILITY – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
She can’t be tired, she slept 10 hours last night.

They might not be ready.

He may not have enough money.

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 PRACTICE
It _________ be very hot tomorrow.

She _______ be at home. I saw a picture of her at the airport in the morning.

It _____ work, but it _______ not.

Considering the amount of food he has put on his plate,

he ________ be very hungry.

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PROHIBITION
MODAL VERBS

MUST NOT

You must not use your

cell phone in class.
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ADVICE
MODAL VERBS

SHOULD
OUGHT TO
HAD BETTER
 ADVICE – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
You should study harder

You ought to wear a warm jacket

You had better slow down. You’re riding

too fast.
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ABILITY
MODAL VERBS

CAN - PRESENT
COULD - PAST
BE ABLE TO
 ABILITY – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
She can sing very well.
She is able to sing very well

I could do a handstand when I was a child.

I was able to do a handstand when I was a child.

I will be able to speak 5 languages in the future.

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MODAL VERBS

ASK FOR PERMISSION

CAN
COULD
MAY
 ASK FOR PERMISSION – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
Can I open the window? It’s too hot in here.

Excuse me Mr. Williams.

May I talk to you?
Could I leave work earlier today? I have an
appointment at the doctor.

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MAKE REQUESTS
MODAL VERBS

CAN
COULD
MAY
 MAKE A REQUEST – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
Can you hold these books for me?
My hands are full.

Could you help me for a minute, please?

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NECESSITY
MODAL VERBS

HAVE TO
HAVE GOT TO
MUST
 NECESSITY – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
They have to be in NY before Thursday

I must study tonight

I have got to get ready now

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CONDITIONAL
MODAL VERBS

WOULD
 NECESSITY – MODAL VERBS

EXAMPLES
I would like to buy a hamburguer.

I would be happy to help you.

He would not lend the car to me.

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