Modal Verbs Overview and Usage

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Questions and Answers

Which modal verb best completes the sentence: 'The restaurant __________ have digital menus on the tables?'

  • Could
  • Might
  • Must (correct)
  • Should

What modal verb fits this context: 'Everyone __________ brush their teeth every day.'?

  • Might
  • Can
  • Could
  • Should (correct)

Which modal verb properly completes the phrase: 'Darius, __________ I have another cookie after dinner?'

  • Can
  • Should
  • May (correct)
  • Must

The sentence 'It __________ snow in Texas if the weather keeps changing' suggests which level of certainty?

<p>Could (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which modal verb should be used to complete 'You __________ not text while you drive!' to express obligation?

<p>Must (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which modal verb indicates the strongest logical possibility?

<p>Must (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modals expresses the ability to do something?

<p>Can (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to express permission in the most formal manner?

<p>May I take a day off tomorrow? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which modal indicates a suggestion?

<p>Should (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements uses a modal verb to predict a future event?

<p>He will be here soon. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal 'might' imply about an action?

<p>A lesser degree of certainty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which context would 'could' be appropriately used?

<p>To indicate a weak ability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which modal is often used to give advice?

<p>Should (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal 'must' indicate in the sentence 'The kids must drink water every day'?

<p>A strong necessity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example 'You might win the lottery, but the chances are low', what does the modal 'might' suggest?

<p>A low chance of occurrence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal 'can' indicate in the sentence 'Alona can start a fire in five minutes'?

<p>An ability to perform an action (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'May I get my grade tonight?', what does 'may' convey regarding permission?

<p>A strong formality in the request (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the modal 'should' imply in 'Hyunh should get braces'?

<p>A weak recommendation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example 'Navya could run a mile in 11 minutes', what kind of modal is 'could' indicating?

<p>An ability in a weaker form (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates a request for permission using a modal?

<p>Can you throw me the ball? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences indicates a logical possibility?

<p>They might want to join us. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Modal Verb: Must/Will

Expressing a possibility that is very likely to happen. Often used with verbs like "be", "have", or "do".

Modal Verb: Can/Could/Might

Expressing a possibility that is less likely to happen. Often used with verbs like "be", "have", or "do".

Modal Verb: Should

Expressing a recommendation or advice. Often used with verbs like "be", "have", or "do".

Modal Verb: May

Expressing formal permission. Often used with verbs like "be", "have", or "do".

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Modal Verb: Can

Expressing ability or capability. Often used with verbs like "be", "have", or "do".

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Modal verb 'Must'

Indicates a strong possibility of an action happening.

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Modal verb 'Might'

Indicates a low possibility of an action happening.

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Modal verb 'Can'

Indicates a subject's ability to perform an action.

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Modal verb 'Could'

Indicates a subject's weaker ability to perform an action.

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Modal verb 'Must'

Indicates a strong recommendation to perform an action.

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Modal verb 'Should'

Indicates a weaker recommendation to perform an action.

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Modal verb 'May'

Indicates a formal request for permission.

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Modal verb 'Can'

Indicates a casual request or permission.

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Modal Verbs

Words that express possibility, ability, necessity, or permission.

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How do Modal Verbs function?

They modify other verbs, giving them shades of certainty or obligation.

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Where are Modal Verbs placed?

They always come before the base form of the main verb without 'to'.

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Do they need to be conjugated?

They don't change form for different subjects. They remain "can," "must," etc.

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What does "Logical Possibility" mean?

They express a degree of certainty about a future possibility, ranging from highly likely to less likely.

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How do Modals express "Ability?"

Words like "can," "could" show if someone has the ability to perform an action.

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How do Modals indicate "Necessity?"

Modals like "must," "should" indicate something is required or advised.

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How do Modals show "Permission?"

Words like "may," "might," or "can" indicate if permission is given for an action.

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Study Notes

  • Modal verbs add meaning of possibility, ability, necessity, and permission to verbs.
  • They come before the infinitive verb (e.g., to go, to eat, to run).
  • They don't need to match the subject in plural agreement (e.g., "I can," "We can").
  • They're used to predict future possibilities, describe abilities, give advice, make requests, and ask for permission.
  • Common modals include: can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, and must.

Common Modal Uses and Examples

  • Logical Possibility (Most Certain):

    • Must: The dark clouds must mean rain today.
    • Will: Due to the news, the stock will go down.

  • Logical Possibility (Less Certain):

    • May: This change may improve the results.
    • Can: Being careless can have bad consequences.
    • Could: The charm could protect you.
    • Might: I might be tired tomorrow.

  • Ability:

    • Can: He can type 34 words per minute.
    • Could: I could assist by interpreting the results.
    • Shall: Shall we dance?

  • Necessity (Obligation):

    • Must: They must go to work today.
    • Should: You should floss every day.

  • Permission:

    • May (Most Formal): May I turn my paper in tomorrow?
    • Might: Might he have some more soup?
    • Could: Can I buy the new model?
    • Can (Least Formal): Can I go to my friend's house?

Logical Possibility

  • Modals add possibility to an action.
  • "Must" implies strong possibility; "could" and "might" imply uncertainty.
  • "Example:" The weather report showed a 99% chance of rain, so it must rain.
  • "Example:" You might find an open store after 12:00 AM.

Ability

  • Modals express a degree of ability to do an action.
  • "Example:" Pigeons have a special ability; they can recognize themselves in mirrors.
  • "Example:" The editor could edit 70 pages in two days.

Necessity

  • Modals suggest a recommendation for an action.
  • "Example:" The kids must drink water every day.
  • "Example:" My students should do their homework every night.

Permission

  • Modals are used in requests, with varying formality.
  • "Example:" May I go to the restroom?"
  • "Example:" Can you throw me the ball?"

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