Have you ever been confused as

to which expression to use in

asking your teacher to go out? If
it’s “Can I go out?’ or “May I go
out?”
In Expressing Permission, Obligation,
and Prohibition
Modal verbs or
helping verbs (also
called as auxiliary
verbs) add meaning to
the main verb in a
sentence by
expressing:
PERMISSION

OBLIGATION

PROHIBITION
Can/Can’t, Could/Could not, Must, have to, need to
May/May not

Can’t, Must not, May not

 Modal Verbs for
Permission
The Laboratory High School students can
access the e-library portal of the
university by using their student number.
However, they cannot download PDF copies of
books since it is intended for viewing
purposes only.
Both Jamilla and Aya could go to
my place for group study if they
wanted to.
We couldn’t enter the library
after 6pm.
You may go and take a break after taking the
test.

Online resellers may not sell items below the

manufacturer's price.

May I use a calculator on the test?

In some languages, including Filipino, the third person is used as a
sign of respect and formality to the one we are speaking to. However, in
English, we can resort to voice inflection and modal verbs to show
politeness to someone older, respected, or to someone who needs to be
addressed with formality.

When being polite, or wanting to show respect, 'could' is a better

choice than can as it is a more polite form than 'can.’

We are requesting if we could have a copy of the slides shown

earlier.

Could I try this coat on?

'May' and 'Might' can also be used when asking permission but are
much more formal.

May I use the comfort room, please?

Might I ask what your name is?

*'Might' is rarely used as it's considered old fashioned. Yet,

educated and polite people still use modals to subtly imply
politeness and show respect.
 Modal Verbs for
Obligation

I must stop procrastinating! We have to check everyone’s ID.”

Jayvie must remember to bring the snacks he I have to be at school early to

promised. supervise the stage decoration.

Must expresses the speaker's feelings, whereas have to expresses,

above all, a decision that has already been made.
 I have got to finish this task!
You need to go to the
The deadline is tomorrow.
hairdresser’s. Your hair is very
long.
She has got to study hard to pass the
exam.
She needs to go to the doctor.
She gets headaches every day.
 other expressions:

You should study hard so you can pass

We aren’t allowed to leave
the exam.
early.
He should see a doctor.
Are you allowed to use the
internet at work?
 Modal Verbs for
Prohibition

You can’t wear a hat in class.

You may not wear shoes in the
You can’t smoke in the office.
office.
You may not eat in the
conference room.
You must not use a cell phone.
You must not write with pencil.
You must not play music.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
MODAL VERBS

(Quizizz link will be sent

on the chatbox)
 Sources:

Krista,B.(2013) Modal Verbs 1: Permission,

Prohibition, Obligation, No obligation.
English Language Centers. Retrieved from
https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/less
ons/modal-verbs-1-permission-prohibition-ob
ligation-no-obligation

Modal verbs and their meaning.(n.d.)

MyEnglishPages.com Retrieved from
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_p
hp_files/grammar-lesson-modals.php