Here are my key takeaways: 1. Modals are used to express possibility, obligation, advice and more. They modify the meaning of other verbs. 2. The basic modals are can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should and must. 3. All modals can refer to present and future time, but only some like could and might can refer to past time. I still have questions about: 1. The exact nuances between shall and will. 2. When to use ought to versus should. I liked learning about how modals are used to express different meanings like permission, possibility, advice and obligation. Understanding modals helps

1. Modals and Their Use

2. Modals
1) What are modals?
2) How are modals used?
3) Why are modals important?

3. What are Modals?
 Modals are words which are used to add meaning to
another verb.
 The basic modals are: can, could, may, might, will,
would, shall, should and must.
 There are other words which behave like modals.
Examples: ought to, need and have to.

4. How Are Modals Used?
 Firstly, modals can only be used together with another
verb in the infinitive / base / root form, without 'to'.
Examples:
Jon must go home immediately after school.
You should return the book to the shelves after reading it.
Could you lend me a pencil, please?

5. How Are Modals Used?
 All modals can refer to present and future time. Only
some of them can refer to past time.
Examples:
 When I was in school, you could get a bowl of noodles for
twenty cents. I do not think you can still do so now. (could
refers to past time; can refers to present time)
 Students who enrolled in the computer course will need to
bring their own laptops next week. (will refers to future time)
What “time” does ‘would’ refer to?

6. How Are Modals Used?
 Past and present relations
 The modals that only refer to past time are sometimes seen as
past forms of the other core modals.
Present Time Modals Past Time Modals
can could
will would
may might
shall should

7. How Are Modals Used?
 Politeness
We often use the past forms to be more polite or formal, or
less direct.
Less Polite / Informal
/ More Direct
More Polite / Formal
/ Less Direct
Can you get me a glass of water,
please?
Could you get me a glass of
water, please?
Will you mind helping me return
the book to Jason?
Would you mind helping me
return the book to Jason?

8. Why Are Modals Important?
 Modals are used to express many different meanings,
such as:
 Advising: I think you should take the job.
 Asking for permission: May I take this seat?
 Possibility: We could do it by Friday, if you wanted.
 Obligation: “Dad says I have to practise if I want to
get on the team,” said Saul.
An obligation is something you feel you have to do as it is
your duty or responsibility to do so.

9. UsesofModals Modal Meaning Example
Can /
could
to express ability
I can speak a little Russian.
Ruby could see it from her bedroom window
can to request permission Can I open the window?
might to express possibility “I reckon it might be,” Mr Buckley said slowly.
may to express possibility I may be home late.
may to request permission May I sit down, please?
must to express obligation
must to express strong belief She must be over 90 years old.
should to give advice You should stop smoking.
would to request or offer Would you like a cup of tea?
would in if-sentences If I were you, I would say sorry.

10. REVIEW

11. REVIEW I
1. Read the sentences and fill in each blank with an
appropriate word of your own.
2. Write your answer on a piece of paper.
3. Do not advance to the next page before finishing.

12. REVIEW
1. Modals are used to express __________________.
(1) possibility (2) obligation
(3) advice (4) All the above & more
2. Modals are used with infinitive _______________.
(1) nouns (2) adjectives
(3) verbs (4) everything

13. REVIEW
3. ALL modals can take the __________________ time.
(1) present only (2) present & past
(3) present & future (4) present, past & future
4. Which of the following sentences is/are more formal and
polite?
(1) Sara will stay with you if you wish.
(2) Sara would stay with you if you wish.
(3) Ali, can you lend Chee Meng your comics?
(4) Ali, could you lend Chee Meng your comics?

14. HOW WELL DID YOU DO?
1. Modals are used to express (4) advice, possibility,
obligations and more.
2. Modals are used with infinitive (3) verbs.
3. All modals can take the (3) present and future
time.
4. The more polite and formal sentences are:
(2) Sara would stay with you if you wish. &
(4) Ali, could you lend Chee Meng your comics?

15. PRACTICE

16. PRACTICE 1
1. Read the sentences and fill in each blank with an
appropriate modal.
2. Write your answer on a piece of paper.
3. Do not advance to the next page before finishing.

17. PRACTICE I
Fill in the blanks with can, may, must, will,
Mom: Wake up, Tom. It’s time to get ready for school.
Tom: I don’t feel well. __________ I not go to school today?
Mom: You don’t feel feverish. You __________ go to school.
Tom: (Groans and goes to the bathroom)
Hmm… a hot towel __________ help give me feverish.
Mom: Breakfast is ready! Hurry or you ___________ be late!
Tom: Coming! (Softly) I __________ have a better chance with Dad.

18. PRACTICE Ia ANSWERS
Fill in the blanks with can, may, must, will,
Mom: Wake up, Tom. It’s time to get ready for school.
Tom: I don’t feel well. __________ I not go to school today?
Mom: You don’t feel feverish. You ____________________ go to school.
Tom: (Groans and goes to the bathroom)
Hmm… a hot towel __________ help give me a temporary fever.
Mom: Breakfast is ready! Hurry or you ___________ be late!
Tom: Coming! (Softly) I __________ have a better chance with Dad.
Can
must / have to
should/may
will
may / might

19. PRACTICE 1
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal.
Jim __________ you be visiting Alan?
Gopal Why? What’s wrong with him?
Jim I am not too sure. I think he __________ have met with an accident.
Gopal Anyway, __________ we drop by his place later?
Jim I __________ ask my parents first.
Gopal I am sure they __________ allow you to go. How soon __________ you
let me know?
Jim In half an hour? I __________ call them as soon as I am done here.
Gopal Sure! I __________ wait for your good news.

20. PRACTICE 1b ANSWERS
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal.
Jim __________ you be visiting Alan?
Gopal Why? What’s wrong with him?
Jim I am not too sure. I think he __________ have met with an accident.
Gopal Anyway, __________ we drop by his place later?
Jim I __________ ask my parents first.
Gopal I am sure they __________ allow you to go. How soon __________ you
let me know?
Jim In half an hour? I __________ call them as soon as I am done here.
Gopal Sure! I __________ wait for your good news.
Will
might/could
shall
must
will can
will/shall
will / shall

21. PRACTICE II
1. Read the sentences and fill in each blank with an
appropriate word of your own.
2. Write your answer on a piece of paper.
3. Do not advance to the next page before finishing.

22. EXIT CARD
 3 things you have learnt about modals
 2 questions you still have on the use of modals
 1 aspect of the lesson you liked