Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 52 views

    Using Modal Verb Appropriately

    Uploaded by

    sandy navergas
    The document discusses the use of modal verbs and modal phrases in English to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and requests. It explains that modal verbs like can, could, may are used to talk about ability, permission, possibility, while modal phrases use auxiliary verbs with the preposition "to" to express the same meanings. Examples are provided to illustrate the proper use of modal verbs and modal phrases in different contexts.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Using Modal Verb Appropriately

    Uploaded by

    sandy navergas
    52 views10 pages
    The document discusses the use of modal verbs and modal phrases in English to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and requests. It explains that modal verbs like can, could, may are used to talk about ability, permission, possibility, while modal phrases use auxiliary verbs with the preposition "to" to express the same meanings. Examples are provided to illustrate the proper use of modal verbs and modal phrases in different contexts.

    Original Description:

    Modals

    Original Title

    Using modal verb appropriately

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    The document discusses the use of modal verbs and modal phrases in English to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and requests. It explains that modal verbs like can, could, may are used to talk about ability, permission, possibility, while modal phrases use auxiliary verbs with the preposition "to" to express the same meanings. Examples are provided to illustrate the proper use of modal verbs and modal phrases in different contexts.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    52 views10 pages

    Using Modal Verb Appropriately

    Uploaded by

    sandy navergas
    The document discusses the use of modal verbs and modal phrases in English to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and requests. It explains that modal verbs like can, could, may are used to talk about ability, permission, possibility, while modal phrases use auxiliary verbs with the preposition "to" to express the same meanings. Examples are provided to illustrate the proper use of modal verbs and modal phrases in different contexts.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    You are on page 1of 10

    Using modal verb appropriately

    Tom can write poetry very well.


    You can catch that train at 10:43.
    Can you lend me ten dollars?
    Modal Verbs and Modal Phrases
    -is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is
    used to express: ability, possibility, permission
    or obligation. 

    Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to


    express the same things as modals, but are a
    combination of auxiliary verbs and the
    preposition to.
    Can, Could, Be Able To
    are used to express a variety of ideas in English:

    *Ability/Lack of Ability
    Tom can write poetry very well.
    Lisa can’t speak French.

    Mike is able to solve complicated math equations


    am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb

    The support team will be able to help you in about ten minutes.


    am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb

    I won’t be able to visit you next summer.


    could / couldn’t + base form of the verb

    When I was a child I could climb trees.

    was / were + able to + base form of the verb


    wasn’t / weren’t + able to + base form of the verb
    hasn’t / haven’t + been able to + base form of the verb

    I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.


    He hasn’t been able to get in touch with the client yet.

    Note: Can and could do not take an infinitive (to verb) and do not take the future auxiliary will.

    Incorrect: I can to help you this afternoon.


    Correct: I can help you this afternoon.
    Correct: I will (I’ll) be able to help you this afternoon.
    Possibility / Impossibility
    can / can’t + base form of the verb

    1.You can catch that train at 10:43.


    2.He can’t see you right now. He’s in surgery.

    could + base form of the verb

    1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day before.


    Ask Permission / Give Permission
    Can + Subject + base form of the verb (informal)

    Can you lend me ten dollars?


    Can + base form of the verb (informal)

    You can borrow my car.


    Could + subject + base form of the verb (polite)

    Could I have your number?
    Could I talk to your supervisor please?
    May, Might
    Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition
    may / may not + base form of the verb
    1.You may start your exam now.
    2.You may not wear sandals to work.

    Polite Request
    May + subject + base form of the verb

    1. May I help you?
    Possibility / Negative Possibility
    may/ might + base form of the verb

    1.We may go out for dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?


    2.Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.

    may not / might not + base form of the verb

    1.Adam and Sue may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.


    2.They might not buy a house at all.
    Shall, Should, Ought to
    To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you
    are quite sure of a positive answer)
    Shall + subject + base form of the verb

    Shall we go for a walk?

    You might also like