Lesson 1

Modals

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
After this learning journey you will be able to:
Knowledge Demonstrate a strong understanding of modal verbs, including their meaning, usage,
and grammatical characteristics in expressing permission, obligation, and
prohibition.
Values Cultivate values of empathy, respect, and open-mindedness as they communicate
and interact with others using modals as a linguistic tool.
Skills Use modal verbs, allowing them to communicate accurately and effectively in a
variety of personal and academic contexts.

BEFORE I GO
What are the functions of modal verbs?

KEYWORDS TO REMEMBER
1. Certainty 4. Permission
2. Obligation 5. Ability
3. Prohibition 6. Uncertainty

LET’S GO!
Lesson 1: Modals
Modals, also known as modal verbs or auxiliary verbs, are a special category of verbs that help to
express different degrees of necessity, possibility, ability, and permission in English. They are used
alongside main verbs in a sentence to add extra meaning or to indicate the attitude of the speaker towards
a particular action or situation.

These unique characteristics distinguish modal verbs from other types of verbs in English grammar:
1. Lack of conjugation: Modal verbs do not change their form based on the subject. They remain the
same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
2. Limited number: There are only a few modal verbs in English, including "can," "could," "may,"
"might," "shall," "should," "will," "would," "must," "ought to," and "used to."
3. Ability to express attitudes: Modals can be used to express attitudes, such as permission, ability,
necessity, advice, and possibility.
4. No "to" before the verb: Modal verbs (will, would, should, may, can, could, might, must) precede
another verb. Modals do not have subject-verb agreement or take the infinitive “to” before the next verb.
When a modal verb appears in a sentence, there is no need to include the word "to" before the main verb.
For example, "She can swim" instead of "She can to swim."

Exemption to this is the modal “ought to” which expresses a strong recommendation or advice.
5. Inversion in questions: To form questions using modals, the subject and modal verb are inverted. For
example, "Can he come?" instead of "He can come?"

6. Negation with "not": To make a negative sentence with a modal verb, the word "not" is added after
the modal verb. For example, "I cannot go" or "She should not eat that."

7. Lack of tense distinction: Modal verbs do not have different forms for past, present, or future tenses.
The tense is indicated by the main verb in the sentence.

8. Emphasis on possibility and probability: Modals are commonly used to express degrees of
possibility, probability, certainty, or obligation.

9. Use before the base form of the verb: After a modal verb, the base form (infinitive) of the main verb
is used. For example, "You must study," "She can play," or "He should learn."

10. Can be used in contracted forms: Modal verbs can be contracted with the word "not" to form
contractions like "can't," "couldn't," "won't," and "shouldn't.

FUNCTIONS OF MODAL VERBS

This second table organizes examples of each modal by its use, also including an explanation.
Use Explanation of Use Modals Examples
must Those clouds must mean that
it will rain later.
Logical Possibility This use of modals hedges, or As a result, the market will
weakens, the certainty of a sentence. will close earlier than usual today.
The stronger the modal, the stronger
 the possibility. Must is so strong that
it is almost forcing something to
happen. On the opposite end, can, would
could, and might are all equally weak
and show a lack of commitment or
confidence.
Strongest logical possibility = most should
probable (but still not guaranteed)
may
can
could
might
This use shows ability, which is
Ability binary, rather than possibility, which can
falls on a spectrum.
Strongest ability = most direct could
This use gives advice or makes a must
Necessity recommendation.
Strongest necessity = most direct
should
This use asks or gives permission in
Permission the form of a question. It almost may
never appears in published academic
writing, but frequently appears in
academic correspondence such as e- could
mails, proposals, or revisions. The
strongest modal in this use, may, is
the most polite and indirect, whereas
can is the more direct and slightly can
impolite.
Strongest permission = most polite
Recommendation or The modal "ought to" is used to Ought to
Advice express a strong recommendation or
This naive approach would
not work well every day.
Careful thought should be put
into important decisions.
This may ultimately lead to
better outcomes.
Careless actions can lead to
disastrous results.
Changing these settings could
produce more favorable
results.
These factors might
contribute to the success of
the project.
The literature can be
organized by date, author, or
argument.
A person who could interpret
the results assisted the
researcher.
A closer examination reveals
that the subject must be
treated with great care.
Our findings suggest that
health care providers should
strive to be sensitive to the
needs of their patients.
May I request a copy of the
article that you published in
1999?
Could you get back to me by
Tuesday?
Can you elaborate on the
significance or contribution
of this?
You ought to study for the
exam if you want to get a
 advice. It suggests that something is good grade.
the right thing to do or the correct They ought to apologize for
course of action based on moral their behavior; it was
obligation, expectations, or common disrespectful.
sense.

Each modal function alters a sentence’s perspective differently.

Logical possibility: expresses a degree of probability
Before: This is the fastest way to drive to Westwood.
After: This might be the fastest way to drive to Westwood.

Ability: shows capability

Before: Riding the bus avoids traffic.
After: Riding the bus can avoid traffic.

Necessity: expresses directness in attitude

Before: Wash your hands before preparing food.
After: You must wash your hands before preparing food.

Permission: shows politeness

Before: I am going to your office hours.
After: Can I go to your office hours?

Points to Remember:

Modal verbs, such as "can't," "couldn't," "wouldn't," "shouldn't," "mustn't," and "won't," are words
used to express different levels of possibility, ability, obligation, and refusal. Let's take a closer look at
each of these modal verbs and their uses:

1. Can't: This modal verb is used to express that something is impossible or prohibited. For example, "I
can't swim" means that the person is unable to swim. It can also indicate a strong assumption about
something, like "She can't be serious."

2. Couldn't: This modal verb is the past tense form of "can't" and is used to express past inability or
impossibility.
For example, "I couldn't come to the party last night" indicates that the person was unable to attend.

3. Wouldn't: This modal verb is used to express a refusal or unwillingness to do something.

For example, "He wouldn't help me with my project" suggests that the person refused to provide
assistance.

4. Shouldn't: This modal verb is used to give advice or express an opinion on what is considered the
right thing to do.
For example, "You shouldn't eat too much junk food" advises against excessive consumption.
5. Mustn't: This modal verb is used to indicate something is forbidden or not allowed. For example,
"You mustn't smoke in this building" expresses the prohibition of smoking.

6. Won't: This modal verb is a contraction of "will not" and is used to indicate a refusal or
unwillingness to do something in the future.
For example, "I won't go to the party tomorrow" suggests a decision not to attend.

It is important to note that the use of modal verbs can vary depending on the context and the intended
meaning of the speaker or writer.

Let’s have a look at some / other of the functions modal verbs can perform:

Modals Sentence Example/ Function based on the sentence context

I will be ready in ten minutes. (absolute certainty) 
You must be tired after all that work! (absolute certainty) 
Certainty I don’t believe it, it can’t be! (absolute certainty)  
Chris should have the notes from yesterday’s class. (probability/possibility)  
He might bring a friend to the party.  (probability/possibility)  
The keys could be on the kitchen table.  (probability/possibility)  
It can be tricky to understand modal verbs. (something  that is generally
true)  
EFL students can get confused by verbs sometimes.  (something that is
generally true)
Obligation You must respect the traffic signals at all times.
You will eat all your vegetables before you can have dessert!
Permission You may leave as soon as you have finished. ‘Can I ask you a question?’ ‘Of
course, you can.’ May I take this seat?
Advice or You should see a doctor about that cough.
recommendation Shall I serve dinner now?
You might try being nicer to people.
We ought to check out the new Sunday market.
Willingness or offers Shall I help you with your luggage?
I’ll drive you to the airport.
Ability I can swim but I can’t dance!  
Last year I couldn’t speak a word of French, but now I can have a basic
conversation.  
I think I can handle this job.
Habits He will always water the garden at sunset.  
The teacher would give homework only if the students misbehaved.

I CAN DO THIS MYSELF

TASK 1

Direction: Answer the following questions below, choose your answer from the choices given. Circle
the correct answer.

1. "I ___________ swim when I was younger."

a) can b) could c) will
2. Which modal verb expresses a possibility or ability in the present?
a) may b) might c) can

3. Complete the sentence with the appropriate modal verb: "You __________ be careful while crossing
the road."
a) must b) would c) should

4. Select the correct modal verb to fill in the blank: "She ____________ help me with my homework
later."
a) could b) mustn't c) won't

5. Which modal verb is used to indicate something is required or necessary?

a) may b) should c) must

6. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb: "I ____________ attend the meeting tomorrow."
a) will b) should c) can't

7. Choose the correct modal verb for this sentence: "He __________ lift heavy weights due to his injury."
a) shouldn't b) couldn't c) won't

8. Complete the sentence: "You __________ eat too much sugar, it's not good for your health."
a) shouldn't b) won't c) can

9. Which modal verb means the same as "should not"?

a) shouldn't b) mustn't c) won't

10. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb: "I ____________ find my keys anywhere."
a) can b) couldn't c) wouldn't

11. Which modal verb expresses a polite request or permission?

a) may b) must c) might

12. Complete the sentence with the appropriate modal verb: "They __________ be late for the concert."
a) won't b) can't c) wouldn't

13. Select the correct modal verb to fill in the blank: "You ____________ have an umbrella, it might
rain."
a) should b) could c) must

14. Which modal verb expresses advice or suggestion?

a) may b) should c) would

15. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb: "She ____________ have studied harder for the
exam."
a) could b) might c) would

TASK 2
Direction: Underline the correct modal verb for each sentence.
1. I (may, must, can) go to the party tonight.

2. She (could, shall, should) play the piano when she was younger.

3. You (might, should, will) finish your homework before going out to play.

4. They (could, will, might) be here soon.

5. He (can, may, must) speak two languages fluently.

6. We (should, would, can) visit our grandparents next weekend.

7. It (may, should, would) rain later, so don't forget your umbrella.

8. I (may, can, shall) help you with your project if you need assistance.

9. You (must, might, shall) go to the doctor if you're feeling unwell.

10. We (will, must, could) start preparing for the exam early.

11. She (may, can, must) have arrived at the airport by now.

12. I (might, should, will) cook dinner for everyone tonight.

13. They (will, can, must) wait for us before starting the meeting.

14. You (should, may, could) try this new restaurant, the food is amazing.

15. He (might, shall, can) have left his keys at home.

TASK 3

Direction: Underline the correct modal verb for each sentence.

1. I think you (should, can, must) go out more and meet new people.

2. You (can’t, mustn’t, don’t have to) come with us if you don’t want to.

3. This is a secret between you and me, so we (can’t, must, mustn’t) tell anyone.

4. I feel miserable, so I (can, must, have to) stay at home tonight.

5. All passengers (can, should, must) remain in their seats and (don’t have to, can’t, mustn’t) use their
mobile phones.

6. (Should, Can, Must) you please phone me in the evening?

7. To get a driving license, you (must, should, have to) be over 18 years old.

8. You (can, must, should) wear uniform when you’re in the army.

9. You (can’t, mustn’t, don’t have to) forget your sun cream. It’s going to be very hot!
10. I’m sorry but you (mustn’t, can’t, don’t have to) bring your dog in here. It’s forbidden.

TASK 4

Direction: Decide if what is the best modal to use based on the given context of the sentences below.
1. __________ I borrow your car for the weekend? (expressing permission)

2. Students __________ wear a school uniform. (expressing obligation)

3. You __________ enter this area without proper authorization. (expressing prohibition)

4. __________ I use your phone to make a quick call? (expressing permission)

5. Employees __________ attend the training session next week. (expressing obligation)

6. Visitors __________ take photographs inside the museum. (expressing prohibition)

7. __________ I take a day off from work tomorrow? (expressing permission)

8. Children __________ eat their vegetables for good health. (expressing obligation)

9. You __________ bring outside food into the cinema. (expressing prohibition)

10. __________ I go out with my friends tonight? (expressing permission)

TASK 5

Share Your Prohibition

Global warming is undeniably a grave issue that has far-reaching and detrimental consequences for our
planet. The increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human
activities, are leading to a rise in global temperatures. This phenomenon has triggered a range of alarming
effects. Melting polar ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, putting coastal areas at risk of
devastating floods and displacing populations. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, heatwaves, and
droughts have become more frequent and intense, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Furthermore, global warming disrupts ecosystems, leading to the endangerment and extinction of various
species. It also exacerbates public health concerns through the spread of diseases and the degradation of
air quality. Urgent action is vital to combat global warming and protect our planet's delicate balance for
future generations.

As a responsible citizen of the country, what are the things that you/we must do and mustn’t do for us not
to contribute to the global warming? Complete the sentences below.

A. We must …
1.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

B. We mustn’t …
1.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5.___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

TASK 6

Practice your modal verbs.

Look at these signs below and write down the rules, regulations or advice they give. Use any of the modal
verbs. The first one is done for you.

1. This part of the pool is deep. We must not swim here.

We should swim on the area that’s suited for our height.

2.