Mad for Modals 1

• English
• Secondary Education
• Age 11,12

Modal Verbs 1

In groups: How many modal verbs can you come up with in 2 minutes? 1 bonus point per correct sentence written using a modal (only 1 sentence per modal allowed)

Modal verbs have a number of ​

different functions

Today we will look at the modal verbs of:​

1. Ability ​
2. Permission and requests​
3. Prohibition​
4. Obligation or no obligation​
5. Advice and past regrets

1. Ability

We use can, can’t, could, couldn’t, be able to + infinitive for ability

• I can’t speak Chinese.
  
• We weren’t able to get into the house without our keys!
  
• Will you be able to come and visit us next summer?

2. Permission

We use may, can, be allowed to, be permitted to + infinitive for

permission.

• You can ask questions at the end of the talk.
  
• Students are permitted to use mobile phones at break times.
  
• I’m allowed to have a party for my birthday

How would you put these sentences into the past?

Mum, ...... I go to my friend's house after school?

1. Should
2. Can
3. am able to
4. May

Can you write your own sentence using a modal for ability?

3. Prohibition

We use mustn’t, may not, can’t, not be allowed to, not be

permitted to + infinitive for prohibition.

• You mustn’t shout in the classroom.
  
• Teachers can’t run in the students’ race.
  
• No, you may not have another biscuit.
  
• I’m not allowed to invite more than thirty people to my party.

John ......... eat bananas during class. This made him very sad.

1. should
2. wasn't allowed to
3. could
4. had to

4a. Obligation

We use must, have to, have got to, need to + infinitive for

obligation.

• You must remember to take your football kit to school.
  
• Why do you have to go home so early?
  
• I’ve got to do my homework now.

For the past we use had to and need to for the future.

4b. No Obligation

What do you think are the correct modal verbs for no obligation? Help me change the traffic lights. Green for correct, red for wrong.

• don't have to
• couldn't
• haven’t got to
• don’t need to
• mustn't
• needn’t
• shouldn't

you can make it a game with points, green 1 point, red -1 point, orange zero.

clue here is of course to teach them not to use mustn't in this case

You ............ play videogames with your friends after school.

1. mustn't
2. shouldn't
3. have did
4. don't have to

Mary ........ to study hard if she wants to pass the geography exam.

1. have
2. should
3. needs
4. don't

Your best friend pulls you aside and tells you who their crush is.

They’ll likely follow up the information with this sentence: “You………………….….............tell anyone!”

mustn't 

don't have to

5. Advice and past regrets

We use  should/shouldn’t, ought (not) to, had better (not) +

infinitive to give advice.

• I think you should train harder.
  
• They ought to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables
• You’d better go now – Stella is waiting for you

We use shouldn’t have + past participle for regrets about the past.

• I shouldn’t have shouted at him. That was a big mistake.

Some people on the following slides need your help. 

They have problems and they're not quite sure what to do about them.

Help them by giving them ideas of what they 

SHOULD or SHOULDN´T do.

Advice needed:

I have ruined my sister's favourite dress by getting ink on it.

Advice needed:

I'm in love with two people, what should I do?

Advice needed:
I did my homework, but my dog chewed it up.
I don't think my teacher will believe me.

Advice needed:

I forgot that it's my girlfriend's birthday and now she is outside my door.