Aying, Alanis | Badayos, Jeanisa | Bagacay, Sidgen | Buque, Creselle | Castro, Hannah

BSED English 2A – Group 3

Modals and Conditionals

I. Modals

A. Discussion

1. What are modals?

➢ Modals or Modal verbs are referred to as special verbs used to express functions.
➢ These types of verbs are different from the normal ones as they provide additional
information about the modality of the main verb after it.
➢ Modals are also known to have a wide variety of “communicative functions”.

2. What are the uses of modals?

➢ Modal verbs are used to express the following functions:

a.) Permission
b.) Ability
c.) Obligation
d.) Prohibition
e.) Lack of necessity
f.) Advice
g.) Possibility
h.) Probability

3. What are the main types of modal verbs and their uses?

➢ Can/Can’t

The verb can is used to show possibility, ability, and to express permission. Its negative
counterpart can’t is used to show inability or impossibility.

Examples:

a.) Show possibility

We can finish this before the deadline if we start doing it now.

 b.) Show ability

We can dance, but we can’t choreograph a dance yet.

c.) Permission

Father, can I go outside to play with my friends?

Negative Form- can’t

d.) We can’t do anything about it.

➢ Could

The modal verb could is used to make a request, give a suggestion and to also identify
a possibility in the present.

Examples:

a.) Make a request

Could I speak to Janna please?

b.) Give a suggestion

We could try to complete the needed stuff by ourselves.

c.) Show possibility

We could order food for lunch, or we could go outside to grab some.

➢ May

May is often used to express possibility in the past, present, and future. It can also be
used in expressing permission.

Examples:

a.) Possibility

Dr. Franco may be your professor next sem.

b.) Permission
 May I see that album?

➢ Might

The modal verb might is used to express possibility.

Examples:

a.) Possibility

She might be on the classroom.

➢ Will/ Won’t

The modal verb will is used to express intention, make a prediction, and to show
willingness.

Examples:

a.) Express intention

I will now wash the dishes in the sink.

b.) Make a prediction

It will not be easy to win the game but we can do it.

c.) Show willingness

We are going to the park. Will you come with us?

Negative Form: won’t

d.) Impossibility

He won’t be able to achieve it no matter how hard he tries.

➢ Would/ Wouldn’t

Would is often used for requests, permission, preferences. On the other hand, its
negative form wouldn’t can be used for refusals.

Examples:
 a.) Requests

Would you pass me the water please?

b.) Preference

Would you prefer juice or soda?

c.) Permission

Would you mind if I sit beside you?

Negative Form: wouldn’t

a.) Refusal

She wouldn’t ride the Ferris wheel no matter how hard we persuade her.

➢ Shall

Shall is often used for offering help, formal conversation, and for suggestions.

Examples:

a.) Offering Help

Shall I carry your bag for you? You look very unwell.

b.) Formal conversation

The defendant shall be given the right to voice out their side.

c.) Suggestion

Shall we meet at the corridor at 12 noon?

➢ Should

The modal verb should is often used to make a suggestion and convey ideas.

Examples:

a.) Suggestion
 You should try this sport!

b.) Conveying ideas

You should always come to school early.

➢ Ought to

Ought to is a modal verb often used for stronger obligations.

Examples:

a.) Obligation

He ought to serve as a role model to his students.

➢ Must/Mustn’t

The modal verbs must and its negative form mustn’t are often used for prohibition and
sense of obligation.

a.) Prohibition

They mustn’t be distracted while working to avoid any accident.

b.) Obligation

All family members must come to the reunion.

4. Strength and Frequency of Modal Verbs

Most Frequent: Medium Medium Least Frequent:

Logical Possibility Frequency: Frequency: Permission
Ability Necessity
Strongest will/would could should (as can
advice)
Stronger should
Weaker may
Weakest can/could/might

The same modal can have different strengths when it’s used for different functions.
B. Sample works

To show possibility, in the sense that an action is theoretically possible.

Example: We can arrive in time if we leave now.
To show ability, in the sense of knowing how or being able to do something.
Example: We can swim, but we can't surf - yet!

To express or inquire about permission or willingness in a more polite form.

Example: Could I borrow your car next week?
To identify a possibility in the future that is dependent upon a present action.
Example: If she practiced more, she could sing beautifully.

To make a prediction.
Example: The weather will be hot enough to go to the beach this weekend.
For habitual behavior.
Example: I'm not surprised you don't know what to do! You will keep talking in class.
To make a semi-formal request.
Example: Will you open the window, please? It's very hot in here.
I'm not surprised you don't know what to do! You will keep talking in class.

To request or offer.
Example: Would you like a cup of tea?
For if-sentences.
Example: If I were you, I would say sorry.

To express possibility.
Example: I may be home late.
To request permission.
Example: May I sit down, please?

To express obligation.
Example: I must go now.
To express strong belief.
Example: She must be over 90 years old.
 To give an advice.
Example: You should stop smoking.

C. Assessment

Test 1

Instructions: Read the sentences and choose the correct modal verbs in the multiple-
choice test.

1. She is so different. You _______ be her sister.

a. should c. shouldn’t
b. can d. can’t

2. I’m sure. It ______ be George.

a. could be c. must
b. can d. might

3. Excuse me. ______ I ask a question?

a. May c. Will
b. Can d. Might

4. We want to be the best. We ______ practice!

a. can c. will
b. must d. could

5. You _______ call him anymore. I have already called him.

a. would not c. need not
b. will not d. might not

6. Now that I have finished college and have a job, I realize that living at home _____
drive my parents and me crazy. (potentially)
a. could
b. would
c. should
 d. would have
e. should have

7. Unfortunately, it's not so easy to find to find an apartment in the city. Without an
agent, you _____ not be able to find all the available listings. (possibility)
a. ought to
b. must
c. should
d. might
e. can

8. I asked my friends to help me move because I knew that I _____ fit all my
possessions into my little car. (inability)
a. can’t be able to
b. not able to
c. don’t be able to
d. couldn’t
e. couldn’t be able to

9. It _____ about a year until I am able to completely furnish my

apartment. (prediction)
a. must take
b. will take
c. would take
d. will have taken
e. must have taken

10. By this time next year, I _____ a lot about living independently.
a. must learn
b. will learn
c. would learn
d. will have learned
e. must have learned
Test 2

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences and use the verbs in positive forms (can, may, must)
or negative forms (cannot, must not, need not).

11. Maybe she will return tonight.

She _______ return tonight.

12. I’d like to see your children.

_______ I see your children?

13. I am not good at football.

I _________ play football.

14. Don’t stand up!

You ________ stand up!

15. Do your homework!

You ________ do your homework.
II. Conditionals

A. Discussion

1. What are conditionals?

➢ Conditionals are sometimes called ‘if sentences’ or ‘if clauses’.

➢ A conditional sentence is formed by a main clause (the consequence), a conjunction (if),
and a conditional clause (the condition).
➢ Although these sentences play varied functions, they have a common feature: all
conditionals have a cause and effect relationship.

2. What are the uses of conditionals?

➢ Conditionals are used to speculate about what could happen, what might have happened,
and what we wish would happen.
➢ Conditionals are used to state facts, to give advice, to discuss and analyze future and past
situations, and to talk about hypothetical situations.

3. What are the different kinds of conditionals?

➢ The Zero Conditional

The zero conditional is used for when the time being referred to is now or always and
the situation is real and possible. The zero conditional is often used to refer to general truths
or scientific facts. In zero conditional sentences, the word "if" can usually be replaced by the
word "when" without changing the meaning.

Formulation: If + Present Simple, Present Simple

Examples: If you touch the fire, you get burned.

When he is stressed, he exercises.

➢ The First Conditional

The type 1 conditional is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is
real. The type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result.

Formulation: If + Present Simple, will/won’t + verb

 Examples: If it’s hot tomorrow, I’ll go for a swim at the beach.

If Dominique is hungry later, he will eat something.

➢ The Second Conditional

The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation
that is unreal. These sentences are not based on fact. The type 2 conditional is used to refer
to a hypothetical condition and its probable result.

Formulation: If + Past Simple, would + verb

Examples: If I were a lawyer, I wouldn’t take on this case.

If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.

➢ The Third Conditional

The type 3 conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation that
is contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed. The
type 3 conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable past result.

Formulation: If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle

Examples: If they had been late, I wouldn’t have let them in.

If I hadn’t eaten so much, I wouldn’t have felt sick.

➢ The Mixed Conditional

The mixed type conditional is used to refer to a time that is in the past, and a situation
that is ongoing into the present. The facts are based on the opposite of what is expressed.
The mixed type conditional is used to refer to an unreal past condition and its probable result
in the present.

There are two types of mixed conditional sentence.

Present result of a past condition:

Mixed Conditional Type 1, is used to connect the past and the present. In other words,
the time is the past (past perfect tense) in the ‘If clause’ and is the present (modal present) in
the ‘main clause’. There is an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present.
 Formulation: If + Past Perfect, would + verb

Example: If Gary had hurried, he would catch the train now.

Past result of present or continuing condition:

Mixed Conditional Type 2, is used to connect the present and the past. In other words,
the time is the Present (simple past) in the ‘If clause’ and is the past (modal perfect) in the
‘main clause’. There is the past result of a present condition.

Formulation: If + Simple Past, would have + verb

Example: If Lesley liked Kate, she would have gone to the birthday party last night.

Note: We can put 'if' at the beginning, or in the middle. It doesn't matter at all.

B. Sample works

➢ The Zero Conditional

When I did my homework, my teacher was happy.

My mom comforted me when I got scared.

If demand for a product rises, its price rises too.

If you work too much, you get tired.

If you don’t drink for a long time, you become thirsty.

If you pour oil into a glass of water, it floats.

If I exercise at night, I sleep well.

➢ The First Conditional

We could go to Paris if we save enough money.

They can do it if they try.

He should get a dog if he is lonely.

 If anything changes, we will let you know.

If it rains tomorrow, we will watch movie at home.

If I find Kyle’s address, I’ll send him a letter.

If I finish cleaning early, I’ll go to the market.

If you don’t study diligently, you’ll never understand that.

➢ The Second Conditional

They might be able to see it if they were more observant.

He could get the promotion if he knew the right people.

If I had some time, I would tidy up our house.

If I were in Korea, I would go to Lee Min Ho.

If I were you, I would buy that shirt.

If she were in my house, she wouldn’t do this.

If she spoke French, we would understand her.

➢ The Third Conditional

We might have crossed paths if I had left the house on time.

If I hadn’t been sick, I would have gone to the graduation ceremony.

If I hadn’t forgotten her number, I would have called her.

If Marie had explained me the problem, I would have helped her.

If Clara had invited us, we would have accepted it.

If you had messaged me, I would have known you were there.

➢ The Mixed Conditional

If the Mayor had built a subway system, people wouldn’t lose much time in the traffic
today.
 If Maria had called me, I would talk to her now.

If Anne trusted Vic, she would have married him.

If we saw Earl again, we would have told him the whole truth.

If Hannah loved me, she would have messaged me yesterday.

C. Assessment

Test 1

Instructions: Choose the best answer in the choices provided.

1. “He would have gone with you if you had asked him.” Which conditional is this?
a. First c. Third
b. Second d. Zero

2. “If I won a million dollars, I would buy my own airplane.” Which conditional is this?
a. First c. Third
b. Second d. Zero

3. “What will she do if she misses the bus?” Which conditional is this?
a. First c. Third
b. Second d. Zero

4. What would you do if it ________ on your wedding day?

a. rained
b. will rain
c. would rain

5. What will you do if you ________ the history exam?

a. would fail
b. will fail
c. fail
6. My brother is only five feet tall. If he ______ a foot taller, he would be a great
basketball player.
a. was
b. is
c. were

7. Agha Kahndu is a very smart lad. If he ________ to work hard, he is going to be the
class valedictorian.
a. continues
b. continued
c. will continue

8. This is a perfect spring day. If it __________, I would stay home and study.
a. rains
b. will rain
c. rained

9. My brother pawned his guitar to pay his rent. If only I _______ enough money, I
would have paid his rent for him.
a. had
b. had had
c. would have had

10. Josie is a lousy cook. If Josie __________ her lasagna for her fiance, he would get
sick and not marry her.
a. were to cook
b. cooked
c. cooks

Test 2

Instructions: Choose the sentence with the meaning below.

11. James is always lazy. He failed a test last week.

 a. If you hadn’t been so lazy, you would pass that test.
b. If you weren’t so lazy, you would have passed that test.
c. If you weren’t so lazy, you would pass that test.

12. Paul drove too fast. Now he’s in trouble with the police.
a. If Paul hadn’t driven too fast, he wouldn’t be in trouble with the police.
b. If Paul didn’t drive too fast, he wouldn’t be in trouble with the police.
c. If Paul hadn’t drive too fast, he wouldn’t have been in trouble with the police.

13. I don’t have a degree, so I didn’t get the job.

a. If I have a degree, I would have got that job.
b. If I had a degree, I would have got that job.
c. If I’d had a degree, I would get that job.

Test 3

Instructions: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in the parentheses.
Use short forms where possible.

14. I’d go out tonight if I ___________ (not have to) work tomorrow.
15. Suppose your car broke down in the middle of nowhere, what __________ (do)?
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