1. Modal Auxillary Verbs
We use modal verbs to express time or mood. To make an
assessment, judgement and to express our attitude to towards
it.
Not used on their own and are always used in conjuction with
another main verb.

2. ought to
Modal auxillary verbs
shall
will
can
may
should
would
must
could
might
contracted and contracted negatives
Shouldn’t
I’ll/He’ll
We’ll
need

3. Meanings
Completely certain
Shall/shan’t
Will/won’t
Degrees of certainty
must
possiblity
Might/
could
may
probability
Should/shouldn’t
ought/oughtn’t to

4. prohibition
strong
Must/will/need
obligations and
freedom to act
Must not
May not
Cannot
Could not
Should, might
oughtn’t to
ability
permission
Can/ could
Needn’t
Can, could, may, might

5. Some examples of use
You should have stayed in bed (advice)
She can swim (ability)
It could rain tomorrow (possibility)
You ought to be more polite (obligation)

6. Modal verbs come before the main
verb in affirmative and negative
statements
I ought to go now
In questions or requests come before the subject
May I go

7. Problems for Learners
Most modal verbs have more than one meaning.
The meaning is only clear in the context
Shall I help ? (offering)
Shall we go now? (suggestion)

8. Intonation and tone of voice can also help us to
understand the meaning
You might talk to him (possibility)
You might talk to him (disapproval)
She may come tomorrow (probable)
She may come tomorrow (unlikely)

9. Some modal verbs would appear to have the
same meaning
Must/have to
Can try to establish some rules for learners to
help usage
You have to declare everything on your tax
return
You must try to get here earlier
It must be later than I thought

10. Classroom activities
Making and Responding to requests
Can / could you - for requests stressing shortened version
Presentation-Prepare the room with things in the wrong
place and ask students to help to tidy it. Can you/Could
you
Practice--Role play cards in pairs. Different scenarios
Dinner is nearly ready. Ask your son to set the table
Tell your daughter to tidy her room
Replies– Sorry I can’t , Yes I will
Production---classroom as aeroplane or restaurant.

11. Should have----Give a problem from an Agony
Aunt column
Give a simple sentence
Eg We go out
Use modal verbs to suggest
Possibly, Impossibly, certainty
Explain a situation- eg
When I arrived at school today, there were papers all
over the floor and in the Head’s office.
Students have to give an explanation.
Using modal verb + have.