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Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used to express necessity, obligation, politeness, possibility or probability. They are always followed by another verb in the infinitive without "to". Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, and should. The document provides examples of how each modal verb is used in sentences.

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26 views

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used to express necessity, obligation, politeness, possibility or probability. They are always followed by another verb in the infinitive without "to". Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, and should. The document provides examples of how each modal verb is used in sentences.

Uploaded by

al29491
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modal verbs

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are used to express necessity


necessity, obligation
obligation,
politeness,
politeness possibility or probability
probability. They are always
followed by another verb in the infinitive.

I must write an article for a teen magazine.

MODAL VERB + INFINITIVE WITHOUT “TO”


Modal verbs
Can

To talk about things we are (not) able to do generally or at


USED the moment.

I can sing very well.


I can’t talk to you right now.

Could

To talk about things we were (not) able to do in the past.


USED
I could chat on Facebook for hours when I was younger.
I couldn’t speak English until I was 10.
Modal verbs
May

-To ask for or give permission;


USED -To say something is (not) possible.

May I borrow your DVD?


Amy Summers may be right about Facebook.

Might

USED
To say something is (not) possible.

Amy might be right about Facebook.


Modal verbs

Must

-To say that something is (not) necessary;


-To give an order;
-To recommend something;
-To say we are sure about something.
USED
All accounts must be private.
You must be careful when posting images on Facebook.
You must watch The Social Network.
Are you learning English? That must be awesome!
Modal verbs

Should

-To say something is (not) good for us;


-To ask for or give advice/ an opinion.
USED
I should swich off the computer. It’s so late.
Amy shouldn’t be so introverted.
You shouldn’t spend so many hours in front of the
computer.
Complete the sentences with the suitable modal verb. The
words in brackets can help you.

1. A friend told Mark: “You _________


should spend more time outside your
bedroom. It’s a lovely day today! (advice)

2. Mark told his friends: “Now you ________


can communicate with each
other through an online platform.” (ability)

3. Social networking __________


may raise teenagers’ awareness about
social causes. (possibility)
Complete the sentences with the suitable modal verb. The
words in brackets can help you.

4. ________
May I borrow your computer? I have to check my Facebook
page now. (permission)

5. ________
Must every conversation end up involving Facebook?! I’m
tired of it! (necessity)

6. When I was 5 years old I ________


couldn’t write or have an online
conversation. How boring! (ability)
Rewrite the sentences using a modal verb. Follow the
example.

Mark has to check on his e-mail.


Mark ________________________________.
must check on his e-mail

1.Amy’s mother advised her not to accept e-mails from strangers.


Amy _________________________________.
shouldn’t accept e-mails from stangers.

2.He asks permission to phone her later.


May I phone you
_________________________________ later?
Rewrite the sentences using a modal verb. Follow the
example.

3. I am able to speak to 10 people at the same time in a chat room.


I ______________________________________________.
can speak to 10 people at the same time in a chat room

4. Her father ordered her to take her mobile phone with her.
You ________________________________.
must take your mobile phone with you

5. It is possible that she is his friend on Facebook.


She __________________________________.
may be his friend on Facebook

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