Modal Verbs: My Keys Must Be in The Car. It Might Rain Tomorrow. That Can't Be Eshan's Car. It's Too Small
Modal Verbs: My Keys Must Be in The Car. It Might Rain Tomorrow. That Can't Be Eshan's Car. It's Too Small
I can't swim.
May I ask a question?
Could I have some tea, please?
Would you like some help?
Base form
Subject Modal verb not
of the verb
1
Modal Verbs and their uses
Requests and
Ability Possibility Obligation Permission
offers
might may
may can can
can could should could could
could can must might would
must need would will
will need shall
Can
To talk about what you are able to do
He can lift that rock
Could
May
To request or give permission (this is a formal use, "can" is the informal version)
May I use the washroom, please?
2
Might
Must
To show that you have to do something, for example because it is very important or
because it is a rule
Students must come for lectures
"Must not" (or "mustn't") is used to show you are not allowed to do something
You mustn’t shout
Should
Will
3
Would
Used with "I" and "we" to talk about the future (especially in formal British English)
I shall attend the meeting
Ought to
To say what is the right thing to do ("should" is the more common word)
She ought to study harder
Activity 1
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Activity 3
The following is an article in a magazine about regrets. Underline the correct modal
verb from the two choices given.
Regrets
As we get older and when we think about our past we sometimes ponder the things
that we should/can have done. And we also may/shall regret those things we did
badly and the mistakes we made. In reality, we be able to/can always learn from our
mistakes and hope to never make them again. For example, if I failed a test because of
a lack of study, the next test I will/must hope to pass because of hard work. Remember
too that some regrets are not based in reality and we must/may waste time thinking
that they are. Would/should I have really not have been involved in a car crash if I
had been driving more slowly? After all, the other driver ought to/will have been
concentrating and not playing with their radio. We have to/would be honest with
ourselves and live in the now. The only things we used to/can control are the things
happening now, in this moment.
Activity 4
Write down a conversation that you would have with your friend regarding your
future educational plans. Use Modal verbs as much as possible.
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