Ability and inability
Which modal verb do we use to express ability in the present?
Can
Which modal verbs do we use to express concession?
Might and may
Which modal verbs do we use to express permission?
May, could and can
Which modal verbs do we use for possibility?
Can, could, may and might
Which modal verb do we use to express ability in the past?
Could
What do we need to add after "may" and "might" when we want to express a suggestion when there is no better alternative?
Present: may and can
Past: could
Which modal verb expresses theoretical possibility?
Can
Can we use "could" to talk about ability in the past on one occasion? If not, what verbs can we use?
No, we have to use "was/were able to," "managed to" or "succeeded in."
Choose the correct option:
You _____ a taxi from the station. It’ll be quicker than me coming in to get you.
a) might get as well
b) might as well get
c) might as well got
b) might as well get
True or false. Correct the sentence if it's false:
When asking for permission, "may" is more formal than could and can.
True
True or false. Correct the sentence if it's false:
Adding "well" after the modal verb expresses less possibility.
False. It expresses more possibility.
Complete with the correct modal verb:
(You're at the library)
I have been searching for over 20 minutes and I _____ find any books on Geology!
I have been searching for over 20 minutes and I can't find any books on Geology!
Correct this sentence:
He could have lose the game, but he pass the exam.
He might/may have lost the game, but he passed the exam.
Complete these sentences:
(You're talking to a friend of yours)
_____ you help me?
(You're talking to the CEO of the company where you work)
____ I leave early today?
Can you help me?
May I leave early today?
Correct the sentence:
Someone is knocking on the door. It may have been the postman.
Someone is knocking on the door. It may be the postman.
Say a sentence in which you express ability and inability in the past.
Example: When I was young, I could play the piano but I couldn't sing very well.
Say a sentence to express concession and another sentence to make a suggestion when you don't have a better alternative.
Example: He may have travelled the world, but he's not very broad-minded.
We might as well go to the cinema because it's raining.
Say a sentence to refuse permission.
Example:
You can't go to the party until you finish your homework.
Say a sentence that expresses past possibility.
Example:
She may have been at work when you called her.