Modal Verbs Quiz
13 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which modal verb indicates a sense of obligation or necessity?

  • Might
  • Will
  • Can
  • Should (correct)

    • Which modal verb is typically used to express a high level of certainty about a future action?

  • Could
  • Will (correct)
  • Might
  • May

    • What does the modal verb 'may' typically express in a sentence?

  • Permission (correct)
  • Ability
  • Expectation
  • Obligation

    • In which context would you most likely use the modal verb 'can'?

    <p>To indicate ability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of modal verbs in relation to the speaker's attitude?

    <p>To denote varying shades of meaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modals are followed by the base form of the verb if there is no other auxiliary ______.

    <p>verb</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If one of the auxiliary verbs have __ be follows the modals: the main verb will take the appropriate present or past ______ form.

    <p>participle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modals do not ______.

    <p>inflect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    You must not stay ______.

    <p>out</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Questions are formed by putting the modal in front of the ______.

    <p>subject</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Negative questions: the modal comes in front of the subject and 'not' follows the ______.

    <p>subject</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modals do not have a to ______.

    <p>infinitive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    He ought not to have said ______.

    <p>that</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    • Modal verbs include: Can, Could, May, Might, Will, Would, Shall, Should, Must, Ought to.
    • These verbs express various shades of meaning and help convey different levels of certainty, intent, and politeness.

    Main Uses of Modals

    • Indicate Information: Show the speaker's confidence in the truth of their statements.
    • Express Intentions: Reflect attitudes toward actions one plans to take or avoid.
    • Address People: Create a specific effect in communication; choice of modal affects formality.

    Examples of Usage

    • "I will help you.": Indicates strong intention.
    • "I might help you.": Suggests a less certain intention.
    • "I can help you.": Indicates ability to help.
    • "I must help you.": Implies obligation.
    • "I should help you.": Suggests a recommendation or moral duty.

    Formal vs. Informal Requests

    • Use "May I borrow your pen, please?": Appropriate for formal situations, such as addressing a professor.
    • Use "Can I borrow your pen, please?": Suitable for informal settings, like speaking with friends.

    Special Features of Modals

    • Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb if no auxiliary verbs are present. Examples include "I must leave now" and "You can go at 7 p.m."

    • When an auxiliary verb ("be") follows modals, the main verb takes the appropriate participle form. For instance, "I should have visited" (have + past participle) and "I should be visiting" (be + present participle).

    • Modals do not inflect and retain a single base form. For example, the verb "can" does not change to "cans," "caned," or "caning."

    • Modals lack the "to" infinitive form. For example, "I must visit my grandparents today" does not use "to visit."

    • Negatives are formed by inserting "not" directly after the modal. For example, "You must not stay out" and "He ought not to have said that."

    • Questions are structured by placing the modal before the subject. Examples include "Could you pass me the salt, please?" and "Will you be able to help me?"

    • Negative questions place the modal in front of the subject, with "not" following the subject. An example is "Will he not be calling us this week?"

    • When using contracted negative forms of modals, these forms (like "can't," "won't," and "shan't") precede the subject. For instance, "Won't he visit his grandma?"

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test your knowledge of modal verbs and their uses in English. This quiz covers can, could, may, might, will, would, and other modals, exploring their implications in communication. Assess your understanding of how these verbs convey certainty, intent, and politeness.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser