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ENGLISH
FIRST QUARTER - MODULE 1:
MODALS THAT EXPRESS PERMISSION,
PROHIBITION, & OBLIGATION
English- Grade 9
Alternative Deliver Mode
Quarter 1- Module 1: Modals That Express Permission, Prohibition, & Obligation
First Edition, July 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
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impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to
use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and
authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of The Module

Writers Name: Marianeth R. Miraflor,, Melody Girasol,

Jesum Mariam Z. Ramirez, Glenmae L. Garcia,
& Gelou Mae Catacutan
Editors Name: Alex A. Parane, Ph.D. – EPSVR, ENGLISH
Reviewers Name: Sedrick V. Tabio
Illustrator: Cynthia C. Aguilar & Catalino B. Dael III
Layout Artist: Glenmae L. Garcia
Management Team:
Ma. Theresa V. Avanzado, CESO VI – SDS
Samuel J. Malayo – ASDS
Milagros S. Mananquil – Chief, CID
Milagros G. Suyo – Chief, SGOD
Glenda T. Catacutan – EPSVR, LRMS
Arnulfo M. Girasol – Coordinator, ADM/ESP
Alex A. Parane, Ph.D. – EPSVR, ENGLISH

Printed in the Philippines by: Division of Tanjay City

Department of Education – Region 7: Tanjay City Division
Office Address: Opao, Brgy. 9, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
E-mail Address: depedtanjaycity@yahoo.com
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ENGLISH
FIRST QUARTER - MODULE 1:
MODALS THAT EXPRESS PERMISSION,
PROHIBITION, & OBLIGATION
INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Grade 9 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on

Modals That Express Permission, Prohibition, & Obligation!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the
teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore,
this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the
module.
For the learner:

For the learner:

Welcome to the English Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on

Modals That Express Permission, Prohibition & Obligation!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn,
create and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies
that you as a learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the
relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic
success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource
while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to

What I Know check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
What’s In
the current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

What’s New introduced to you in various ways; a story, a
song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity
or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of
What is It
the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent
practice to solidify your understanding and
What’s More skills of the topic. You may check the
 answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank
What I Have Learned
sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

This section provides an activity which will

What I Can Do
help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.
This is a task which aims to evaluate your
Assessment
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be given to
Additional Activities you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned.

This contains answers to all activities in the

Answer Key
module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through
with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful
learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You
can do it!
 What I Need To Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
recognize the proper usage of modals expressing ability, permission and prohibition
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students.
The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the
order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you
are now using.

At the end of the lesson, you must be able to:

a. recognize the proper usage of modals expressing ability, permission
and prohibition
b. construct meaningfully sentences using modals
c. perform tasks in relation to the song’s message
d. demonstrate positive attitude on the use of modals

What I Know
Pre - Assessment

Let’s find out how much you know about this module. Read and understand each
statement or question carefully. Choose the letter which you think is the best
answer. Write the answers in your activity notebook. Remember to answer all
items. After taking this short test, your answers will be checked to find out your
score. Take note of the items that you won’t be able to correctly answer and look for
the right answer as you go through this module.

A. Items 1 – 5 are modals expressing obligation.

1. We have a lot of work tomorrow. We ________ come early.

A. do B. must C. does D. can

2. You ________ not tell anyone what I just told you. It’s a secret.
A. would B. do C. does D. must

3. John is the breadwinner of his family. He _______ go to work.

A. must B. do C. does D. will

4. We ________ exercise regularly to keep our body physically fit.

 A. must B. can C. does D. do

5. You ________ not smoke inside the school.

A. does B. do C. can D. must

B. Items 6-10 are modals expressing permission

6.________ I have some cookies?

A. can B. might C. could D. will

7. _______you tell me the way to the town center, please?

A. might B. may C. could D. should

8. You _______ go home now if you like.

A. might B. may C. could D. should

9.________ I help you carry these bags?

A. may B. can C. might D. would

10.__________I get you a dink?

A. might B. can C. would D. could

C. Items 11-15 are modals expressing prohibition

11. You _______smoke inside any government office

A. cannot B. does not C. must not D. do not

12. You _________come to the meeting but it would help us all if you are there.
A. must not B. don’t have to C. doesn’t have to D. can’t

13.I _________stay for a few hours.

A. can’t B. don’t C. musn’t D. doesn’t

14.Students ________come near to this area. It’s restricted to staff only.

A. mustn’t B. don’t C. will not D. can’t

15. You _______ use this product without protection

A. shouldn’t B. don’t C. mustn’t D. doesn’t
 What’s In

Have you ever heard the song entitled “I Can”? Do you know the song? Try
to read/sing the song and pick out the modals found in the song.

I Can
Donna Cruz

I can live, I can love

I can reach the heavens above
I can right what is wrong
I can sing just any song
I can dance, I can fly
And touch the rainbow in the sky
I can be your good friend
I can love you until the end

What took you so long to make me see

How lucky I am 'cause I am free?
Free to do the things I wanna do
What took you so long to make me feel
I can give love, a love so real?
What took you so long to let me know

That I can live, I can love

I can reach the heavens above
I can right what is wrong
I can sing just any song
I can dance, I can fly
And touch the rainbow in the sky
I can be your good friend
I can love you until the end

What took you so long to make me cry?

So I will know the reasons why (What took you so long?)
I'm so lucky, I could smile
I…
 What’s New

When we want to express permission, prohibition (not allowing something),

obligation or no obligation we use modal verbs.

PERMISSION OBLIGATION PROHIBITION

can should should not

may have to not have to

could ought to may not

must ought not to

must not

Think about these situations and create a sentence using modals.

1. We are going to Paris for a weekend. (Make suggestions about things to do)
2. We start school in September. (Talk about necessity)
3. Margaret is a very talented sportswoman. (Talk about ability)
4. Peter has got a headache and a congested nose. (Give him some advice)
5. You want to borrow your uncle’s Mercedes Benz. (Ask for permission politely)

What Is It

Permission – can, may, could

'Can' is most often used to ask for or give permission but 'may' and 'could' are also
possible even though they are not used as often as 'can'.
Ex. Can I borrow a pen?

Prohibition
'Can't' usually gives the idea of something that is against the rules. Mustn’t usually
means that it is the speaker who is setting the rule.
'Can't' and 'mustn't' (must not) are used to show that something is prohibited (not
allowed)
You can't go into that restaurant without a tie.
You mustn't use your phone in class.

Obligation
'Have to' and 'must' are both used to express obligation. There is a slight difference
in the way that they are both used.
'Have to' shows that the obligation comes from someone else, not the speaker. This
is usually referring to a rule or law.

We have to be at the airport at least two hours before the flight.

I have to work on Saturday.
 What’s More

Activity 1 Modals that express permission

We often use verbs with modal meanings to talk about permission.
can
We often use can to ask for and give permission.
Can I sit here?
You can use my car if you like.
Can I make a suggestion?

could
We also use could to ask for permission (but not to give it). Could is more formal
and polite than can.
Could I ask you something?
Could I interrupt?
Could I borrow your pen for a moment, please?

may
May is the most formal way to ask for and give permission.
May I see your passport, please?
Customers may request a refund within a period of 30 days.
These pages may be photocopied for classroom use.
Write at least 3 sentences using modals of permission

Try this!
Rewrite the following sentences using modals of permission.

1. You’re a child and you formally ask a teacher for permission to leave the room.
________________________________________________________________________
2. You ask your mum for permission to go to a party tonight. You are polite but
don’t use ‘may’.
________________________________________________________________________
3. You ask for permission not to come early tomorrow. You’re feeling informal.
________________________________________________________________________

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4. You tell your colleague that hypothetically he has permission to come in later
tomorrow, but it would really be a problem.
________________________________________________________________________
5. You tell your friend that there is a rule against wearing jewellery at school. Don’t
use ‘mustn’t’.
________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2 Modals that express prohibition

We use can't and mustn't to show that something is prohibited – it is not allowed.
can't
We use can't to talk about something that is against the rules, particularly when we
didn't make the rules.
What does this sign say? Oh, we can't park here.
You can't take photos in the museum. They're really strict about it.
Sorry, we can't sell knives to under-18s.
must not/mustn't
We use must not to talk about what is not permitted. It is common on public signs
and notices informing people of rules and laws.

Visitors must not park in the staff car park.

Baggage must not be left unattended.
Guests must not make noise after 10 p.m.

We use mustn't particularly when the prohibition comes from the speaker.

(Parent to child) You mustn't say things like that to your sister.
(Teacher to student) You mustn't be late to class.
I mustn't let that happen again.
Write at least 3 sentences using modals of prohibition

Try this!
Choose the correct modal to fill in the spaces in blank. Must have to, don’t have to
and Mustn’t .
1. You _____ come to the meeting, but it will be nice if you are there. (mustn’t- don’t
have to) 

2. You ______ start saving money if you want to retire in few years. (must- have to) 

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3. We _________ to visit the doctor every year because the Social Security requires
it. (must- have to)
4. I ______ call my dad every day. (must- have to)
5. My brother _______ wear a tie in his work, I do. (mustn’t – doesn’t have to)

Activity 3 Modals that express obligation

We use have to and must to express obligation. There is a slight difference between
the way we use them.
have to
Have to shows us that the obligation comes from outside the speaker. 
We have to wear a uniform when we're working in reception.
(Student to teacher) When do we have to hand in our homework?
Al has to work tomorrow so he can't come.
We sometimes call this 'external obligation'.
must
Must expresses a strong obligation or necessity. It often shows us that the
obligation comes from the speaker (or the authority that wrote the sentence). 

I must phone my dad. It's his birthday today.

(Teacher to student) You must hand in your homework on Tuesday or you will lose
ten per cent of your mark.
(Sign on a plane) Seat belts must be worn by all passengers.

Note that we don't use must to express obligation in the past. We use have

to instead.
I had to pay PhP 1000 to renew my passport last week.
Write at least 3 sentences using modals of obligation.

Try this!

Put in 'mustn't' or 'don't / doesn't have to'

1. We have a lot of work tomorrow. You ______ be late. (mustn’t)

2. You ______ tell anyone what I just told you. It’s a secret. (mustn’t)

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 3. The museum is free. You _____ pay to get in. (don’t have to)
4. Children ______ tell lies. It’s very naughty. (musn’t)
5. John’s a millionaire. He _______ go to work. (doesn’t have to)

What I Have Learned

A. Remember!

1. ‘Can’ is often used to ask for or give permission but ‘May’ and ‘Could’ are also
possible even though they are not used as often as ‘can’.
2. ‘Can’t usually gives the idea of something that is against the rules while ‘mustn’t’
usually means that it is the speaker who is setting the rule.
3. ‘Can’t’ and ‘Mustn’t’ are used to show that something is prohibited (not allowed).
4. ‘Have to’ and ‘Must’ are both used to express obligation. The difference is that
‘Have to’ shows that the obligation comes from someone else, not the speaker.
B. My Treasure

In this part of the lesson, you are going to write down the insights and
learning you’ve had for the week, the lesson or topic which you want to continue
learning, and the persons whom you think can help you learn them.

This week, I learned I will continue learning To learn this, I will seek
that… about… help from…

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 What I Can Do

Construct at least two (2) sentences using the following types of Modals:

a. Obligation
1. _________________________________________________________________.
2. _________________________________________________________________.

b. Permission
1. _________________________________________________________________.
2. _________________________________________________________________.

c. Prohibition
1. _________________________________________________________________.
2. _________________________________________________________________.

Assessment

It is the start of a new curriculum year. Your teacher asks you to

establish rules to make your classroom a conducive place for learning.

To do so, complete the sentences on the right to establish corresponding

rules for each item on the left. Eencircle the modals used in each sentence.

OBLIGATION
Ex.: homework Students should finish homework before entering the
room.
1. attendance Students ___________________________________________.
2. punctuality Students ___________________________________________.
3. respect Students ___________________________________________.
4. participation Students ___________________________________________.
5. uniform Students ___________________________________________.

PROHIBITION

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Ex.: ridicule Students must not ridicule someone.

6. cellphones Students ___________________________________________.

7. cheat Students ___________________________________________.
8. shout Students ___________________________________________.
9. smoke Students ___________________________________________.
10. bully Students ___________________________________________.

PERMISSION
Ex.: ask questions Students may ask questions to clarify things.

11.use computers Students ___________________________________________.

12.turn on the fan Students ___________________________________________.
13.go out Students ___________________________________________.
14.open the window Students ___________________________________________.
15. move to another desk Students ___________________________________________.

Additional Activity
Suggest what one must and must not do to become successful in life.

 You have to _____________________________________________________.

 You must _______________________________________________________.
 You should _____________________________________________________.
 You don’t have __________________________________________________.
 You must not ___________________________________________________.
 You should not _________________________________________________.

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 Answer Key

What I Know Assessment

1. A 1. Students should come to school everyday.
2. B (You may also use have to/ ought to/ must.)
3. B 2. Students have to be on time.
4. A (You may also use should/ ought to/ must.)
5. D 3. Students ought to respect everyone.
6. A (You may also use have to/ should/ must.)
7. C 4. Students must participate in all activities.
8. B (You may also use have to/ ought to/ should.)
9. B 5. Students should come to school in their prescribed
10. B uniform.
11. C (You may also use have to/ ought to/ must.)
12. B
13. A 6. Students should not use cellphones during class hours.
14. A (You may also use do not have to/ ought not to/ must not.)
15. A 7. Students must not cheat.
What's More (You may also use should not/ ought not to.)
Act.1 8. Students do not have to shout.
1. May I leave the room? (You may also use should not/ must not/ ought not to.)
2. Could I go to the party 9. Students ought not to smoke inside the classroom.
tonight? (You may also use should not/ must not.)
10. Students should not bully anyone.
3. Can I not come early
(You may also use ought not to/ must not.)
tomorrow? 11. Students may use computers.
4. You could come in later (You may also use can.)
tomorrow, but it would really be 12. Students can turn on the fan.
a problem. (You may also use may.)
5. You can’t wear jewellery at 13. Students may go out of the classroom, given that
school. permission is asked from the teacher.
Act.2 (You may also use can.)
1.dont’ have to  2. must  14. Students can open the window.
3. have to  4. must  5. (You may also may.)
don’t have to 15. Students may move to another desk.
(You may also use can.)
Act. 3

1. Mustn’t Additional Activity

2. Mustn’t ҉ You have to have a dream and work hard for it.
3. Don’t have to ҉ You must have a strong faith in God.
4. Mustn’t ҉ You should trust yourself.
5. Doesn’t have to ҉ You don’t have to please everyone.
҉ You must not let negativity set in.
҉ You should not give up.

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References:

“Modals and Structures” PDF File. July 9, 2020.

https://www.uv.mx/personal/damorales/files/2013/01/modals-ilovepdf-
compressed.pdf

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region 7 : Tanjay City Division

Office Address: Opao, Barangay 9, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

Telefax: (035) 425 - 9360

Email Address: depedtanjay@yahoo.com

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