This document introduces modal verbs and how they are used to express prohibition, necessity and permission. It advises learning modal verbs through context rather than direct translation, as the same modal can have different meanings. As an example, it provides a joke about a student asking to use the toilet, where "can" expresses ability but "may" expresses permission, demonstrating how the same modal verb can have varying meanings depending on context.

1. MODAL VERBS INTRODUCTION TO PROHIBITION, NECESSITY AND PERMISSION

2. APPROACH TO MODAL VERBS Use them to express attitudes or opinions. Remember that the same modal can have more than one meaning. Learn modals in context . Don’t translate. Translations can be misleading.

3. SAME MODAL, DIFFERENT MEANING Read the silly joke below: Student: ‘ Can I go to the toilet, sir?’ Teacher: ‘I’m sure you can , but you may not.’ Think about the meaning of the underlined modals. (Go to the next slide to see the answer)

4. ANSWER permission Student: ‘ Can I go to the toilet, sir?’ Teacher: ‘I’m sure you can , but you may not.’ ability permission