Modal Verbs

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Lesson Aims:

- To differentiate between the usage of modal verbs in both a receptive and productive manner. 

What are modal verbs?

- An auxiliary verb that expresses possibilities, abilities, necessities, giving advice, obligations, and giving permission. 

- Word usage such as: can, could, may, might, must, should, have to, shall, will, would, to be able to 

- Can also be used in negations and questions (Ex.: cannot/can't, May I have a glass of water?)

Can / Could:

Can:

- To show ability (Ex.: Superman can travel at the speed of light.)

- To ask for permission (Ex.: Can I go to the bathroom?)

- To express doubt (Ex.: He cannot play on this level.)

- To show astonishment (Ex.: I cannot believe what I just saw!)

Could:

- Past abilities (Ex.: Michael Jordan could do amazing things on the basketball court.)

- Past possibilities for something that will never be known (Ex.: Could the athletes of the past have beaten the current athletes?) 

May / Might:

May:

Asking for permission (Ex.: May I go to the bathroom?)

Possibility (Ex.: Richard may be coming to visit tomorrow evening.)

Might:

Possibility (Ex.: The clouds are getting darker, it might rain today.)

-Femke might or might not get accepted into the law school. 

-The situation with the company looks bad, and the employees might lose their jobs. 

Should / Shall:

Should - To give advice: 

Ex.: You should make sure to get enough daily exercise, eat healthily, and avoid junk food.

    -  You shouldn't drink and drive. 

    -   Shouldn't we get gas first? 

Shall: To make a prediction, promises, the probability for a future action, and future suggestions. Often used with "I" and "We". 

Ex.: I shall return!

       Shall we go?

      We shall overcome some day!

Will / Would:

Will:

Future prediction: 

Ex.: Ajax will become Dutch football champions in 2022.  

- Based on his marks, John won't be able to graduate. 

Would:

Hypothetical situation:

Example:

If I ever win the lottery, I would buy a large house with a swimming pool in the backyard. 

Must/Have to:

Must:

- Used for something very important or necessary for something to happen. It is also used to give orders. 

Ex: You must come right away, your wife is in labor. 

       We mustn't jump to conclusions. 

       The soldier must report to duty immediately. 

Have to:

- Used to say that something is obligatory, for example:

Children have to go to school.

You don't have to be late for class. 

To be able to:

When someone Is able to do something, meaning they have the ability to do it and they did/can do it.

Examples:

- After two weeks of being ill with the coronavirus, Sarah is able to return to work. 

- John injured his ankle in practice and won't be able to play this weekend. 

She is a small baby. She .......... eat solid fruit.

1. must not
2. could not
3. cannot
4. shall not

He is very tall, so he ...... play basketball.

1. might
2. can
3. could
4. should

The doctor said that I ......... smoke anymore.

1. mustn't
2. shouldn't
3. shall not
4. couldn't

....... I use your pen, please?

1. Could
2. Might
3. Can
4. May

Since they all have part-time jobs, the students ............. pay the monthly rent.

1. are able to
2. am able to
3. was able to
4. is able to

.......... Mary come with us?

1. Can
2. Could
3. May
4. Will

In France, you .......... drive on the right.

1. can
2. may
3. must
4. have to

According to the weather report it .... rain this afternoon.

1. can
2. may
3. might
4. shall

That ........ be John over there. He said he would be in America this week.

1. couldn't
2. won't
3. shouldn't
4. can't

I think you ____ relax more. You have been working too much lately.

1. should
2. could
3. may
4. can

I promise I _______ stop smoking.

1. would
2. will
3. shall
4. might

The student at the private school
........ wear a coat and tie to school.

1. has to
2. have to
3. must