Why do we use modals?

We use modals to talk about

obligations, suggestions, advise and
expectations!
 There are two kinds of
modals:
1. Simple modals :
for the present
and future
2. Perfect modals:
to show necessity
in the past tense.
 Can (Ability)
• She can lift this box
 Ability
• A panther can run faster than a
horse
 Possibility
• Accidents can happen anywhere.
• The road can be blocked.
 Permission (less formal)
• Can I borrow your book?
 May
(Possibility/likelihood)
• There are dark clouds in the sky. It
may rain today.
 Permission (formal)
• May I come in sir?
 Wish (blessing/curse)
• May you live long!
• May he be damned! (शापित)
 Could (Polite
request/table manners)
• Could you pass the salt, please?
 7-2
Could = past form of can

(e) When we were in college, we could

play chess for hours.
couldn’t or could not = negative form of could

(f) I couldn’t play chess in school.

I had to study all the time.
 Use Should to offer
advise

You should turn off the television and read a

book.
He should stop being so loud.
 Should means…it would be a good idea.

• We should have a party in the

garden.
 Would (Offer)
• Would you like to have coffee?
 Past habit
• When here, he would always jump
this chasm (गहरी खाई).
 Shall (Threat)
• You shall be punished for you
behaviour.
 Assurance
• You shall have the money you need.
 Will (predictable
behaviour)
• He is a good man. He will never
deceive you.
 Intention (इरादा)
• I will write to you as soon as possible.
 Must (Compulsion)
• You have got very poor marks. You
must study hard now.
 Prohibition
• You must not smoke here.
 Logical inference(अनुमान)
• Look at the house he lives in. He must
be rich.
 Sentence pairs:
He must be here because I see his
jacket on his chair.
I should buy a because it is Julie’s
present birthday.
You could call me since you will be at
tonight home.
They should come to to play Nintendo.
my house
He could win a prize if he worked hard.
 Conversation cards:
Small group discussions
Why should Name three What could
the college things you you do to be a
day be should not do good friend?
shorter? in class.
What would If you could What might
you do if you meet one happen if pigs
won a million famous could fly?
rupees? person, who
would it be?