HANDOUT

(Week 1)
Topic: MODALS
Modal – verb that is usually used with another verb to express
ideas such as ability, obligation , prohibition and permission.

Modals of Ability
1. Can – used to express present ability.
Examples:
I can dance gracefully.
I can sing very well.
2. Could – used to express past ability.
Examples:
I could speak French when I was four years old.
I could swim fast until that accident happened.
Modals of Permission
1. Can – least formal modal verb in asking/giving permission.
Examples:
You can sit beside me.
Mom, can you pass me the pasta?
2. Could – more polite than can; best used in giving direction.
Examples:
Waiter, could you please serve us the best Caprese Salad
with Pesto sauce?
You could go to this church on foot, Sir.
3. May – a polite modal verb used to ask or give permission.
(formal settings)
Examples:
May I ask a question?
You may ask your questions in the forum.

May is also used in wishing something to someone.

Examples:
May you live in interesting times.
May every path be smooth for you.
Modals of Obligation
1. Must – obligation comes from the person who is speaking.
Examples:
I must call my mother before I buy this shirt.
I must go down to the sea again.
2. Have to – obligation comes from rules, regulation or
laws.
Examples:
I have to be at home before the curfew hours.
I have to be at the airport 60 minutes before my
departure.
 3. Should – obligation comes in a form of advice or
suggestion.
Examples:
My vegetarian friend told me to eat vegetables in
the morning.
Dr. Santos suggested that I should reduce my working
hours and take more exercise.

Modals of Prohibition
- express something that’s not allowed.
- express negative response.
- use not or contracted not (n’t)

Topic: Using Conditionals in Expressing Arguments

Conditional – is divided into two clauses.

 Antecedent Clause – mentions the condition.
 Consequent Clause – shows the end or result of the
condition.
Argument – comprises of two parts.
 Premise – a syllogism from which the conclusion is
drawn.
 Conclusion – shows the end or result of the premise.

Steps in Using Conditionals in Expressing Arguments

1. Begin the sentence with IF.
2. Combine the two sentences (premise) using AND.
3. Change THEREFORE to THEN.
4. Change the name/s to pronoun/s if NEEDED.

Example:

Argument:

Repeating the same mistake will

result in a person’s loss of Therefore, Mike will lose his
credibility. Mike keeps repeating credibility.
the same mistake.

Premise Conclusion

Conditional:
 If repeating the same mistake will result in a person’s loss of credibility and
Mike keeps repeating the same mistake. Then, he will lose his credibility.

The premise will be the antecedent and conclusion will be the

consequent.