Modals

1. Modals

2. Permission
Ability
Possibility
Modals are auxiliary verbs that express. . .
What are Modals?
Necessity

3. They are auxiliary verbs; thus, they help the main
verbs.
They are always followed by the base form of the
verb.
They don’t have subject-verb agreement.
What are Modals?

4. ought to
has to have to
be able to
Semi-modal
Auxilliaries
Modals
can may will
shall must
might could
should would
Pure Modal
Auxilliaries

5. Types of Modals
Future tense - will be able to
Past tense - can, am/is/are able to
Past - could, was/were able to
Modals of Ability

6. Types of Modals
You will be able to speak perfect English very soon.
We can finish our work this time.
My brother could swim when he was five years old.
They were able to finish their work.
Modals of Ability

7. Types of Modals
Someday I ___________ afford my own house.
Benny is bilingual. He __________ speak two languages.
Kids back then ________ see fish underwater before pollution.
Try it yourself! J Modals of Ability
Future tense - will be able to
Present tense - can, am/is/are able to
Past tense - could, was/were able to

8. Types of Modals
Modals of Possibility
MODALS DEGREE OF POSSIBILITY EXAMPLE
may Weak possibility We may get a higher grade by enriching
our project with researched articles.
might Weak possibility If you didn’t construct it carefully, your
essay might have grammatical errors..
could Weak
theoretical/hypothetical/possibility
with “if”
If everyone does their part, we could get a
perfect score.
must Strong possibility There must be a reason why research
papers have a bibliography section.
should Expectation that something will
happen
The project should be finished on time.

9. Types of Modals
We ______ watch a movie if we finish the project early.
You ______ damage your iPad if you don’t use a case.
Winters in Alaska ______ be too cold for tourists.
There ______ be a discount if you’re a
regular customer.
Try it yourself! J Modals of Possibility
MODAL
S
DEGREE OF POSSIBILITY
may Weak possibility
might Weak possibility
could Weak
theoretical/hypothetical/poss
ibility with “if”
must Strong possibility
should Expectation that something
will happen

10. Types of Modals
Modals of Permission
MODALS FUNCTION EXAMPLE
may Asking for/giving
permission
May I turn off the lights?
Yes, you may turn off the lights.
could Permission in the future
(theoretical/hypothetical)
Could I turn off the AC when it becomes
cooler?
can LEAST frequently used Can I turn off the lights?

11. Types of Modals
____ you share your banking information?
____ I speak with your manager?
____ there be a deadline extension?
Try it yourself! J Modals of Permission
MODALS FUNCTION
may Asking for/giving
permission
could Permission in the future
(theoretical/hypothetical)
can LEAST frequently used

12. Types of Modals
Modals of Necessity
MODALS FUNCTION EXAMPLE
must Express obligation You must check if the news you’re
sharing is from legitimate sources.
should Give advice We should do proper research before
we express our opinions.

13. Types of Modals
Governments _____ adhere to the needs of their people, not the other
way around.
Social media users _____ be wary of fake news.
Try it yourself! J Modals of Necessity
MODALS FUNCTION
must Express obligation
should Give advice

14. Types of Modals
Governments _____ adhere to the needs of their people, not the other
way around.
Social media users _____ be wary of fake news.
Try it yourself! J Modals of Necessity
MODALS FUNCTION
must Express obligation
should Give advice

15. Rules For Modal Verbs
* Modal verbs are used to indicate likelihood, ability, advice, permission,
habits and obligation
* Adding "not" after the verb is used to make a verb negative.
* Modal verbs come before the subjects in question.
* Modal verbs do not change form according to the tense; there is no "s"
added to the verb.
* Infinitive verbs without "to" are used right after the modal verb.

16. Types of Modals J Try it yourself!
We __________ strive hard to reach our dreams.
Too much hate for the world ___________ harden your heart.
The students ___________ all attend the Sports Fest to have a break from
academics.
My car key is not here. I ____________ have lost it.
Last year, the SERP accounts ___________ be accessed easily.
It _________ rain today. The clouds seem to be dark.
We __________ have a meeting regarding this urgent matter.
Humility ________ do no wrong.
You __________ leave the key at the door.
Complete the following sentences with appropriate modals.

17. J Activity J
What can I do to stay productive while at home? (Answer with Modals of Permission)
1.
2.
3.
How do I practice the values of Faith & Reserve when communicating socially and
professionally?” (Answer with Modals of Necessity)
1.
2.
3.
Advice Corner: Using modals, write suggestions
and instructions for the three topics below.

18. References
English the Easy Way. Rules for Modal Verbs. Retrieved June 18, 2020 from https://english-the-easy-
way.com/English_ESL/Rules_Modal_Verbs.html
Grammarly. Modal Verbs: Defintions and Usage. Retrieved June 18, 2020 from
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/modal-verbs/
Preply. The Modal Verbs Must, Have to, May, Might: Rules of Use. Retrieved June 18, 2020 from
https://preply.com/en/blog/2020/06/06/the-modal-verbs-must-have-to-may-might-rules-of-use/#scroll-to-
heading-0