8. What Are Modals?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that provide specific
meaning to the main verb. They express ideas such as
capacity, possibility, obligation, permission, prohibition,
probability, request, and desire.
9. Form and Use
Modals do not take the 's' for the third person singular.
They alter or complete the meaning of the main verb and
indicate the level of formality in conversation.
10. Modals Usage
Ask Permission: may, can, could Make a Request: can, could
Express Possibility: may, might, could Give Advice: should
11. Expressing Necessity
Modals like 'must' and 'have to' express necessity or
compulsion. 'Must' implies a strong obligation from the
speaker, while 'have to' suggests an obligation from an
external source.
12. Obligation Types
Have to
• External obligation
• Example: Students have to wear
uniforms in school
Must
• Internal obligation
• Example: I must study today
14. Negative Form
The negative form of modals is formed by
adding 'not' after the verb, e.g., 'cannot', 'must
not'.
15. Modal Examples
1. Can I borrow a pen?
2. Could you open the window?
3. You can't drive in this country unless you are over
eighteen
4. You mustn't use your phone in class
16. Activity: Guess the Modals
1. Indicates prohibition: mustn't, can't
2. Expresses responsibility: must, have to
3. Shows consent: can, could
4. Degree of certainty: might
5. Negative form: not
17. Permission vs. Prohibition
Permission
• Can: used to ask for or give
permission
• Could: used to express past
suggestion or request
Prohibition
• Can't: indicates something against
the rule
• Mustn't: speaker sets the rule
25. Activity B: Rephrase with Modals
1. You are not permitted to say anything about it.
• You mustn't say anything about it.
26. Activity B: Continued
2. You are advised to buy that CD set from the greatest hits of
Queen.
• You should buy that CD set from the greatest hits of
Queen.
27. Activity B: More Practice
3. Dog owners are not allowed to bring their pets inside the
new restaurant in town.
• Dog owners mustn't bring their pets inside the new
restaurant.
28. Activity B: Serious Situations
4. The situation there is indeed serious. We really need to stay
here.
• We must stay here.
29. Activity B: Noise Control
5. There is a meeting on the first floor, Patrick is not allowed to
make noise.
• Patrick mustn't make noise.
31. Modal Definitions
Modals express degrees of certainty,
possibility, obligation, or permission.
They modify the main verb to convey
specific meanings in various contexts.
32. Key Takeaways
Understanding and using modals
correctly is essential for expressing
different shades of meaning in English,
from certainty and obligation to
permission and prohibition.
34. Wrap-up
Modals are versatile tools in English grammar. They help
convey the speaker's attitude and the likelihood or
necessity of an action. Practice using them to enhance
your communication skills.
35. Further Learning
Explore more about modals by reading grammar guides,
doing exercises, and engaging in conversations using
different modals to express various meanings.
