Modal verbs

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• Leerjaar 2

Modal verbs

Modale hulpwerkwoorden (Modal verbs) hebben zelf geen betekenis. Ze komen ALTIJD samen voor met een hoofdwerkwoord en veranderen de betekenis van dit hoofdwerkwoord. 

I can swim

I will not cheat on my test 

I should get more sleep 

I might come with you 

Met modale hulpwerkwoorden kun je aangeven: 

Verplichting of verbod: iets moet of mag niet 

Vaardigheid, dingen waartoe je in staat bent 

Advies 

Mogelijkheid / kans 

Toestemming 

Veel modale hulpwerkwoorden hebben meerdere toepassingen! 

Can / could: 

I can swim                                      - vaardigheid

I could swim                                  - vaardigheid in het 
                                                             verleden          

Can I borrow your pen?              - toestemming 

You can't smoke here                 - verbod  

You can't be serious!                    -  mogelijkheid 

Should: 

You should get more sleep                   -   advies 

You shouldn't  talk so much in class  -  advies 

Must / Mustn't 

We must listen to the authorities              - verplichting

You mustn't smoke here                              - verbod

In vorm zijn modal verbs niet moeilijk: ze hebben allemaal maar één vorm, en ze worden gevolgd door het hele werkwoord. 

I can swim

You can swim

He can swim

We should listen

You might join them

They may join us 

You look tired, you .......... get more sleep

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

You .............. smoke here, the sign says it's not allowed

1. shouldn't
2. can't
3. might
4. may

Excuse me, ................ I please borrow a pen?

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

You ............ drink so much, it's bad for you.

1. ought to
2. mustn't
3. shouldn't
4. might not

This film ................... be really good, it's got great reviews.

1. can't
2. couldn't
3. should
4. can

I don't have enough money to buy lunch. .............. you lend me some?

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

I ................... swim when I was three, so my parents had to watch me near water.

1. could
2. couldn't
3. may not
4. mustn't

In the Netherlands, everyone .............. ride a bike. We learn it at an early age.

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

You ................ do your homework or you will fall behind.

1. must
2. might
3. may
4. mustn't

Clear on the modal verbs?

1. Yes, absolutely
2. No, absolutely not
3. Mostly
4. A bit