Modals of Permission: Quiz & Flashcards for English

Questions and Answers

What is the most formal and polite modal verb to ask for permission?

Shall

May (correct)

Could

Can

What is the correct way to form a negative modal verb?

Changing the modal verb form

Adding 's' to the modal

Using 'not' after the modal (correct)

Using 'no' before the modal

What is the function of conditionals in expressing arguments?

To provide facts

To make requests

To give instructions

To persuade others to act (correct)

What type of conditional deals with habits and general truths?

Zero Conditional Signup and view all the answers

In which type of conditional is the If/when clause always used?

All conditionals Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of using double modals?

A incorrect sentence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a polite way to ask for something?

Could you lend me your laptop? Signup and view all the answers

Which modal verb is used to show respect?

Could Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of modal verbs in a sentence?

To provide additional information about the main verb Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modal verbs is used to express prohibition, and gives the idea that something is against the rules?

Can't Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal verb 'have to' usually refer to?

A rule or law Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modal verbs is used to express obligation from the speaker?

Must Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between 'must' and 'have to'?

Must is used for obligation from the speaker, while have to is used for rules or laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the modal verb 'can' in a sentence?

To ask for or give permission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is an example of prohibition?

You musn't use your phone during class Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound?

Obligation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modals

Modals are auxiliary verbs used with a main verb to express possibility, ability, permission, or necessity.
They add additional information about the function of the main verb that follows them.
Modals have a variety of communicative functions and are used in different contexts such as speaking about ability, making requests and offers, and asking permission.

Prohibition Modals

Prohibition means to prevent, avoid, stop, or disallow someone from doing something.
Examples of prohibition modals:
- Musn't (Must Not) - usually means the speaker is setting the rules
  - Example sentences:
    - You musn't use your phone during class.
    - You musn't sleep late.
- Can't (Cannot) - usually gives the idea of something that is against the rules
  - Example sentences:
    - You can't go into the hotel wearing slippers.
    - You can't drive in this Country unless you are over 18.

Obligation Modals

Obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
Examples of obligation modals:
- Have to - usually referring to a rule or law
  - Example sentences:
    - I have to work on Saturdays.
    - They have to wear their uniforms in school.
- Must - expresses obligation from the speaker
  - Example sentences:
    - I must hand in my thesis tomorrow.
    - I must stop smoking. It's costing me too much money.

Permission Modals

Permission means allowing someone to do something.
Examples of permission modals:
- Can - is mostly used to ask for or give permission, and is less formal and more direct than could
  - Example sentences:
    - Can I borrow a pen?
    - Can I go now?
- May - is the most formal and polite modal verb to ask for permission
  - Example sentences:
    - May I speak to your manager?
    - May I use the restroom?
- Could - is used when being polite or wanting to show respect, and is a more polite form than can
  - Example sentences:
    - Could you lend me your laptop?
    - Could I have water, please?

Nature of Modals

Use the base form of the word with the modal.
Modals do not change form.
Modals never end in "s" even in the third person singular.
Combine the base form of the verb with the modals, not with the infinitive "to".
Use "not" to make modal verbs negative.
Modals are also used to form questions.
Do not use double modals.

Conditionals

Conditionals are used in expressing arguments or stands which may be helpful in persuading others to move or act and even change their thoughts.
Conditionals are statements expressing the results of a particular condition.

Types of Conditionals

Zero Conditionals: deal with habits and general truths, such as laws.
First Conditionals: are used in dealing with things that are possibly or likely to happen in the future.
Second Conditionals: are used in dealing with things impossible in the present and are unlikely to occur in the future.
Third Conditionals: are used to talk about things that happened in the past and can no longer happen now.