10 Questions
Match the following modals with their typical usage:
can = Ability or permission could = Past ability or polite request may = Permission or possibility might = Less certainty or possibility
Match the following modals with their emphasis on obligation:
can = Ability but not obligation may = Permission without obligation must = Strong emphasis on obligation might = Less obligation, more uncertainty
Match the following modals with their level of certainty conveyed:
could = Polite uncertainty or past ability may = Possibility with moderate certainty might = Possibility with less certainty must = High level of certainty and obligation
Match the following modals with their indirectness in speech:
can = Direct ability or permission could = Polite request or suggestion might = Indirect suggestion or uncertainty must = Clear emphasis on necessity
Match the following modals with their typical usage for seeking permission:
can = Informal permission or ability may = Formal permission or possibility might = Indirect request for permission must = Emphasis on necessity over permission
Match the following modal verbs with their primary function:
Can = Express ability, possibility, or permission Could = Indicate ability with less certainty or hypothetical situations May = Grant approval or permission Might = Indicate possibility or uncertainty
Match the following examples with the correct modal verb:
I can help you with your work. = Can You couldn't have done better last night. = Could May I take a day off tomorrow? = May There might be a delay in the delivery. = Might
Match the following functions with the corresponding modal verb:
Expressing strong necessity or obligation = Must Making polite requests = Could Asking for permission = May Expressing possibility in the future = Might
Match the following situations with the correct modal verb:
Asking if something is possible or permitted = Can Suggesting past possibilities = Could Granting approval for an action = May Expressing uncertainty about a future event = Might
Match the following phrases with their corresponding modal verb:
You must complete this task by tomorrow. = Must Could you please help me with this heavy box? = Could May I borrow your pen for a moment? = May The weather might improve later in the day. = Might
Study Notes
Modal Verbs in English
In the English language, modal verbs play a unique role, providing additional information about how actions or events are perceived or handled by speakers. They often indicate possibility, necessity, permission, or probability. Here's an overview of some common modal verbs used in spoken and written communication:
Can
Used to express ability, possibility, or permission, "can" is one of the most versatile modal verbs. For instance, we say, "I can help you with your work," which means I am capable of assisting you. We also say, "He cannot cook breakfast because he doesn't wake up early enough." This usage suggests an inherent limitation preventing him from cooking morning meals. In questions, "Can I...?" is used to ask if something is possible or permitted, such as, "Can I take a day off tomorrow?".
Could
Similar to "can," "could" indicates ability, but it typically implies less certainty or a hypothetical situation. It can suggest past possibilities, "You couldn't have done better last night," indicating that previous performance was limited. Additionally, "Could" is sometimes used with "have" at the beginning of a sentence to make polite requests, "Could you please pass me the salt?".
May
This word is commonly associated with permissions, and its primary function is to grant approval. Examples include phrases like "May I go now?", asking for permission to leave; "She may come later," suggesting potential attendance without definite confirmation; and "It may rain today," conveying uncertain weather conditions.
Might
Unlike "may," "might" tends to convey even less certainty while retaining a sense of possibility. It usually signals doubt, uncertainty, or indirectness. For example, "Might she come later?" poses a question about potential future arrival but does not guarantee anything. Similarly, "The forecast said there might be showers today," implies probable precipitation but stops short of stating a definitive prediction.
Must
As a strong modal verb, "must" emphasizes obligation, requirement, or incontrovertible truth. Its meaning varies depending on context. Statements like "We must finish this project before Monday" communicate a necessity driven by external factors. On the other hand, internally imposed necessities are expressed through phrases like "One must always wear seatbelts when driving," suggesting personal responsibility rather than legal mandate.
While these modal verbs share similar functions related to modality, they differ in their nuances and subtle shades of expression, allowing us to convey varying degrees of certainty, permission, or necessity in our conversations and writings.
Learn about common modal verbs in the English language and how they are used to express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, and probability in communication. Explore examples and nuances of modal verbs like 'can,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' and 'must.'
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