Unit 3 Modals

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Modals

What are modals?

Hulpwerkwoorden

Examples of modals?

Betekenis: (zou) kunnen, mogelijk zijn 

• Can = waarschijnlijk 
• Could = iets minder waarschijnlijk 
• May = nog minder waarschijnlijk 
• Might = bijna onwaarschijnlijk

Example

It can become very hot in Qatar.

Example

Don't use your phone while biking, you could have an accident.

Example

I may be late tomorrow, but I expect to be just in time.

Example

He might show up, but I think it's very unlikely.

Betekenis: kunnen, vermogen/vaardigheid hebben 

• Can  = het kan
• Could = het zou kunnen                         (of verleden tijd van can)
• To be able to = in staat zijn

Example

I can stand on one leg for three minutes.

Example

I could help you if you would let me.

Example

My cousin was sick, so she wasn't able to come to my party.

Betekenis: toestemming hebben 

• Can (of could in de VT) = het mag
• May = het mag,  in formeler taalgebruik
• To be allowed to = (expliciet) toestemming hebben

Example

Are we allowed to park here?

Example

I can stay until midnight, my dad said.

Example

May I ask you a question, sir?

Betekenis: beleefde vraag stellen

Informele relatie:                                     Formele relatie:

• Can = mag ik?                                     o   May = zou ik mogen?
• Could = beleefder dan can           o   Might = beleefder dan may
    Zou ik misschien mogen?                  Zou ik heel misschien...? 

Example

Can I have some tea, please?

Could I have some tea, please?

May I have some  tea, please?

Might I have some tea, please?

They .... help you with
this problem for sure.

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

Excuse me sir, .... I ask you a question?

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

Sorry I ..... (not) cycle
because I don't have a bike.

1. can't
2. am not able to
3. couldn't
4. am not allowed to

Can you speak up? I ..... hear you.

1. must
2. can't
3. shouldn't
4. can

have to / must / should

• Have to = het is noodzakelijk 
   
• Must = het is noodzakelijk, in formele en dwingende taal   
  
• Must = het kan niet anders
• Must = het is echt heel belangrijk
  
  
• Should = je zou moeten, als in een advies

Example

I have to go now, I have another meeting.

Example

You must leave the premises right away!

Example

You must be exhausted after that long swim.

Example

If you want things to change, you must speak up.

Example

You should drink more water.

You ........ smoke at all.

1. shouldn't
2. cannot
3. must

Have to, must or should?
Students ....... be in class on time.

Have to, must or should?
You ....... remember to feed the dog.

Have to, must or should?
You look tired. You ....... go to bed.

Have to, must or should?
You ....... (not) come, we can manage.