Modal (can, could, may, might)

MODAL

Modals help a main verb to give an additional meaning to a sentence. They are used to express
ability/possibility/necessity, to make requests/offers/suggestions, etc. Modals that are used to express
ability/possibility/requests/offers are can, could, may, might,
Examples : - I can see it. (ability) - Can we start now? (request)
- She may come late. (possibility) - May I help you? (offer)
A. Structure +     He can   write an essay.
?   Can he     write an essay?
S + modal + V1 Wh/ What Can he     write?  
H?
-     He can not write an essay.

Notes:
- We use not/ -n’t to form the negative – You can not/can’t go now.
 MODAL

B. Kinds of Modals

1. Can and could (dapat/bisa/boleh)

- Use can to express present ability – Barry can play chess, and use could to indicate past ability – He could play
chess when he was seven.
- Use can/could to ask for/give/refuse permission or request – Could I take the book?; You can use my phone; Can
you help me? .
2. May and might (boleh/mungkin)

- Use may/might to express possibility – They may/might help us.

- Use may to ask for/give/refuse permission – May I take the book?;You may take it.
Exercise  B. Write sentences using the following modals
A. Complete the following sentences using
can/could/may/might 1. can
__________________________________________
1. David _______ sing jazz songs very well. 2. could
2. Ronald _______ play badminton when he was a kid. __________________________________________
3. My grandfather _______ run fast when he was young. 3. may
4. _______ I help you bring that box, ma’am? __________________________________________
6. Ray __________ speak four languages when he was seven. 4. might
7. Alex __________ play the drum very well. __________________________________________
8. __________ I have some cake, ma’am? 5. could
9. Amber _______ dance ballet when she was a child. __________________________________________
5. It is possible that the plan_______ go wrong.  
10. He _______ run as fast as his brother does.
11. _______ I ask something, sir?
12. John _______ speak French when he was six.
13. He _______ use the trick very well.
14. I _______ run very fast when I was a kid.
15. He_______ help us find the answers for these questions.