Modal verbs

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

What kinds of verbs (werkwoorden) do you know? (Dutch answers are fine)

Types of verbs (werkwoorden)

1. Main verb (hoofdwerkwoord)

She was walking to school.

2.1 Helping verb (hulpwerkwoord)

She was walking to school.

2.2 Modal verb (modaal werkwoord)

She may walk to school.

Modal verbs

can / could / may / might / will / would / shall / should / must / ought to

She ... go to school.

Do all of these modal verbs fit in the sentence?

What strikes you?

Modal verbs

We use modal verbs for (see page 219 and 220):

1. certainty - zekerheid
2. possibility - kans
3. obligation - verplichting
4. ability - mogelijkheid
5. permission - toestemming

What does the modal verb say?

I must post this letter.

1. zekerheid
2. verplichting
3. mogelijkheid
4. toestemming

What does the modal verb say?

I will wash the dishes.

1. zekerheid
2. verplichting
3. mogelijkheid
4. toestemming

What does the modal verb say?

John may leave the classroom.

1. zekerheid
2. verplichting
3. mogelijkheid
4. toestemming

What does the modal verb say?

I can do that for you.

1. zekerheid
2. verplichting
3. mogelijkheid
4. toestemming

Modal verbs

What we have seen so far, is that modal verbs can give different meanings to a main verb.

But how do we actually FORM them in sentences?

Modal verbs

1. You cannot add -s in the Present Simple.
   She cans ski = she can ski
2. There is no do / does / don't / doesn't / did / didn't in questions and negatives.
   What should I do?
   Can I help you?

Modal verbs

3. Modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive (hele werkwoord) without to. 

Hele werkwoord = to go

You must go.

Practice

Start with WB page 24 ex 28

What to do now?

Start with page 26
(this is homework for Wednesday 15-01)

Give an example of a modal verb (or more).

What does the modal verb say?

I could do my homework tomorrow, but today is better I think.

1. verplichting
2. mogelijkheid
3. kans
4. toestemming

How well do you understand modal verbs on a scale of 1-4
(1 = not at all / 4 = very well)

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4