Ability
Which modal verb do we usually use to talk about ability in the present?
Which modal verb is used to give advice?
should
Complete: “___ I go to the toilet?”
May/Can I go to the toilet?
Which modal shows obligation?
must
Which modal means “maybe”?
may/might
Complete with a modal verb: “I ___ swim very well.”
Complete: “You ___ study more for the exam.”
You should study more for the exam.
What modal verbs are used to make a request or ask for permission?
(Hint: there are 3)
Can/Could/May
Complete with a semi-modal verb: “You ___ wear a seatbelt in the car.”
You have to wear a seatbelt in the car.
Complete: “It ___ rain tomorrow.”
It might/may rain tomorrow.
Express inability: “Sorry, I ______ help you.”
Sorry, I can't help you.
Sorry. I am not able to help you.
Your friend tells you that they are very tired. Give them advice using a modal or semi-modal verb.
You should rest/go to bed/relax.
You ought to rest/go to bed/relax.
Which is more polite?
A) Can I open the window?
B) Could I open the window?
B) Could I open the window?
Choose the right expression to complete the sentence according to its context: Remember, you’re in a library, you ________ speak loudly.
A) should
B) mustn't
C) don't have to
B) You musn't speak loudly.
Complete the sentence with a modal verb and a main verb so it has the same meaning as the first one.
I’m sure that’s not Jack’s car. His car’s red.
––> That ______ Jack’s car. His car’s red.
Answer: That can't be Jack’s car. His car’s red.
Which form is correct?
A) I can to drive
B) I am able drive
C) I don’t can drive
D) None of the above
If D, please provide one correct form.
D) None of the above
Correction:
I can drive.
I am able to drive.
I can't drive.
Explain and correct the mistake: “You should to go to the doctor.”
Modals are followed by the bare infinitive of the main verb.
You should go to the doctor.
Choose the best option:
“___ you help me, please?”
Could
True or False. If false, explain.
The following sentence expresses obligation: You should go to bed early tonight.
False. "Should" is used to make a suggestion.
What’s the difference?
“He might be sick” vs “He must be sick”
Might = possible
Must = very sure
Rewrite using be able to: “I can’t come tomorrow.”
I'm not able to come tomorrow.
She didn’t eat all day yesterday, so she fainted during football practice.
Which sentence best fits the situation?
A) She must eat.
B) She should have eaten.
C) She might eat.
D) She could eat.
B) She should have eaten.
This modal perfect expresses past advice that was not followed.
Rewrite the order as a polite request: “Open the door.”
Could you open the door, please?
Explain the difference:
“You mustn’t use your phone” vs “You don’t have to use your phone”
Mustn’t = it is forbidden
Don’t have to = it is optional
Joe isn’t here. He __________ our meeting.
Which best fits the situation?
A) must forget
B) might have forgotten
C) should have forgotten
D) could forget
B) might have forgotten
This modal perfect expresses uncertainty about what happened in the past. The speaker is guessing why Joe isn't at the meeting.