Understanding

Modals
Modals
oModals are small words which
come before the verb.
oThey carry different meanings in
different situations.
Can and Could
Example Meaning
I can speak Japanese. Present tense, is able
to
When she was young, Past tense, was able to
she could swim for
hours.
Can and Could
Example Meaning
Can/ Could you carry Polite request
the bag, please?
Can/ Could I get you a Offer
drink?
Can and Could
Example Meaning
It could be broken. Possibility
We could walk instead Suggestion
of drive.
Try this!
1. Use Can/Could to suggest
2. Use Can/ Could to express
possibility
3. Use Can/ Could to offer
something
Must
Example Meaning
We must tell the truth. Obligation or need to
do something
He fell asleep in the Probability/ certainty
chair; he must be tired.
Must
Example Meaning
Must I finish my When a question
vegetables? begins with must, it
means, “Is it
Must you make so necessary?” The
much noise? question is usually a
form of protest.
Try this!
1. Use May to signify a protest
2. Use May to express an
obligation
May and Might
Example Meaning
May we use the room? To ask for permission
You may not be To give or refuse
allowed to enter the permission
room.
May and Might
Example Meaning
She may be late. To indicate possibility
He might come tonight. (Might is used when
there is a smaller
probability)
You may not be allowed To give or refuse
to enter the room. permission
May and Might
Example Meaning
You might want to get To indicate suggestion
your eyes examined.
Try this!
1. Use May to ask for
permission
2. Use Might to indicate
suggestion
Will
Example Meaning
We will not tolerate Show determination
injustice.
She will be leaving for Show future action
China tomorrow.
Would
Example Meaning
If I had won one In imaginary conditions
million pesos, I would
donate it to the victims
of Taal Volcanio
eruption.
Would
Example Meaning
She would always play To talk about past
the piano after habits
everyone else was in
bed.
Would you like to help? Polite request
Try this!
1. Use will to show
determination
2. Use would to express a polite
request
Should and Ought to
Example Meaning
We should sell this
house. To make a suggestion
We ought to sell this
car.
Should and Ought to
Example Meaning
We should be able to
move next week. To indicate expectation
It ought to sell fast.
Should and Ought to
Example Meaning
We should have come
earlier. To indicate regret
It ought to have spent
less.
Try this!
1. Use should to make a
suggestion
2. Use ought to express regret