Modal Verbs or Modals (2)

 

Objectives of today’s lesson:

In this lesson, Learn English with Julia presents to you “Modal Verbs (2)”, in order for you to:

• discover more modals examples
• complete more modals exercises
• see some more modal verbs examples sentences
• create a list of 10 examples of modals

 

Video Script: Modals in use, part 2

Well, let’s see some examples below.

If we want to express possibility,

we can use could, might, may, or can.

Our examples are:

HE COULD CALL IN SICK

WE MIGHT GO SWIMMING

YOU MAY NEED TO TELL HIM.

YOU CAN BUY 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1

To express impossibility,

we can use CAN’T or COULDN’T

He can’t leave work early.

They couldn’t get there on time.

To express PROBABILITY

with must or should.

They must be running late.

He should know where they are.

Expressing ABILITY:

This band can play anything.

He could afford it then.

Therefore, CAN and COULD for ABILITY.

And finally, PERMISSION.

We can use CAN or MAY.

Can we give the museum a miss today?

May I leave the table?

Now for some more examples of modal verbs.

If we give instructions or make requests,

we can use SHOULD, WILL, WOULD or COULD

Some examples:

We should keep the music down.

Will you shut the door for me, please?

Could you pass me the salt?

Would you help me move house?

Now, making suggestions or giving advice

we can use SHOULD or COULD.

We should take him to the vet’s.

We could leave the window open.

Giving out invitations, making offers:

CAN, SHALL, MUST, WOULD are the modal verbs we can use.

Can I help you with something?

Shall I order you a taxi?

We must catch up soon.

Would you like a cup of tea?

And finally, when we express

obligation, necessity,

we use MUST

You must book your flights!

 

Keywords listed in English:

• possibility
• impossibility
• probability
• ability
• permission
• modal verbs or modals
• can, could, may, might, must…

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