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Modals in English
Modals in English
S M V
Subject Verb
You
Theymust
can come
play the
early
piano
They
You will
hadbetoable
cometoearly
play the
yesterday
piano in the future
What do they express?
They can have more than one meaning
depending on the situations
To understand it better we are going to divide them into
3 categories
1. Single Concept Modal: they have one meaning
2. Double Concept Modal: they have two meanings
3. Modals in past:
past They are used to express a situation in the
past
Categories
Single concept Double Concept Modals in Past
Modals Modals
Will May Would have
Might Must Could have
Should Would Might have
Ought to Shall Should have
Had better Could May have
Can Must have
Single Concept Modal
Modal Concept Examples
Will Future Joe will travel to NY next week
Would (1) Past (used to) When I was young, I would play
soccer
Would (2) Present unreal I would buy the car but I can’t afford
it
Double Concept Modal
Modal Concept Examples
Shall (1) Educated expression Excuse me, I shall go now
Offer Shall I clean it?
Shall (2) Contractual obligation The company shall pay on January 1st
Could (2) Past Ability She could play the piano, not anymore
You ___________________________________________
should get a lawyer
2. A university degree isn’t necessary for that job.
needn’t have a university degree for that job
You ___________________________________________
3. don’t
Perhaps myhave to will
father havepick
a university…
you up.
My father _______________________________________
may / might pick you up
4. 4. Eating is forbidden in class!
You ___________________________________________
mustn’t eat in class
More practise
Re-write the following sentences using modals so that they have the
same meaning.
5. Look at his dirty clothes! I’m sure he is a poor person.
must be a poor person
He ____________________________________________
6. I don’t believe that the legend of Hercules is true because there’re
many contradictions.
can’t be true
The legend of Hercules ____________________________
Use your imagination
Think about these situations and create a sentence using modals.
5. Peter has got a headache and a congested nose. (Give him some
advice)
6. You want to borrow your uncle’s Mercedes Benz. (Ask for permission
politely)
Possible answers
3. She can speak 3 languages! / She is able to play the piano and the violin
4. I might stop working / I may buy a new car / I can travel to New York
6. Can I borrow your car, please? or May I borrow your car, please?
Question?
Thank you