Modal verbs

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Modal verbs

Modale werkwoorden/hulpwerkwoorden

Woorden die 'extra lading' geven aan het daarop volgende werkwoord.

Which forms?

Speculation and deduction: must, can't might, could, may

Permission: can, could, may

Obligation: must, have to, need (to)

Advice: should, ought to

Speculation and deduction

When we are almost sure something is true

(Must + infinitive)

When we are almost sure something is impossible

(Can't + infinitive)

When we are not sure

(May (not)/Might (not)/Could (not) + infinitive)

People outside are wearing warm clothes. It ..... getting colder!

1. Can't be
2. Must be
3. Might be

It's in the middle of Summer! It .... cold!

1. Can't be
2. Mustn't be
3. Isn't be

It's a Dutch Summer, though. It .... colder than it looks.

1. Can be
2. Might be
3. Will be
4. May be

Permission

When asking for permission

(Can/Could/May + infinitive)

Note: could/may are more polite!

To give permission / Lack of permission or prohibition

(can + infinitive) / (can't + infinitive)

..... I go to the bathroom, sir?

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

No, you .... because we're checking homework.

1. Mayn't
2. Can't
3. Cannot
4. Couldn't

Now that we're done, you .... go to the bathroom.

1. Can't
2. Can
3. Could
4. Should

Obligation

When talking about rules and laws

(must/mustn't + infinitive)

When talking about personal feeling of obligation or that something is important

(must/mustn't + infinitive)

Obligation

When talking about duties or obligations from an external source, e.g: someone tells you what you can or cannot do

(Have to + infinitive)

When talking about necessity or lack thereof

(need to/don't need to + infinitive)

You .... drive on the left side of the road in the UK.

1. Have to
2. Must
3. Need to
4. Mustn't

If you feel so tired. You .... get more sleep!

1. Need to
2. Have to
3. Should

You .... attend class at 08:30 tomorrow.

1. Need to
2. Must
3. Have to
4. Can

Advice

When giving advice

(Should/Shouldn't + infinitive)

When giving strong advice or express moral obligation or responsibility

(Ought to/Ought not to + infinitive)

Advice

Note:

We also use ought to/ ought not to when reminding someone - including yourself - of a responsibility!

I really ought to call Jen and ask her about that interview

If you want to gain muscle, you ..... eat more protein.

1. Ought to
2. Need to
3. Should
4. Shouldn't

You .... set a good example for your classmates.

1. Ought to
2. Should
3. Must

Any questions?