A lesson on Modal Verbs, their specific usage and sample sentences.

1. A modal verb is a type of auxiliary
verb that is used to express:
ability, possibility, permission,
prohibition or obligation...
MODAL
VERBS

3. CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO
1. Tom can write poetry very well.
2. I can help you with that next week.
3. Lisa can’t speak French.
4. Mike is able to solve complicated math
equations
5. The support team will be able to help you
in about ten minutes.
6. When I was a child I could climb trees.
7. Ten years ago my brother couldn’t play the
guitar.
8. I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.
9. He hasn’t been able to get in touch with
the client yet.
ABILITY

4. POSSIBILITY
1. You can catch that train at 10:43.
2. He can’t see you right now. He’s in
surgery.
3. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave
the day before.
4. It could rain this afternoon.
5. This can’t be true.
6. We could get there in time if you
were driving a bit faster.
7. Our company might get the order if
the client agrees to the price.
CAN-MAY- COULD-MIGHT

5. PERMISSION
1.Can you lend me ten dollars , please?
2.You can borrow my car.
3.Could I have your number, please?
4.Could I talk to your supervisor, please?
5. Could I use your phone , please?
6. May I use your phone , please?
7. Excuse me; could I sit here, please?
CAN-COULD-MAY

6. SUGGESTION
1. You could take the tour of the castle
tomorrow.
2. “You should try to practice English.”
“You shouldn’t translate too much.”
3. “You ought to read more.” (SHOULD)
4. You may as well come inside. John will be
home soon.
5. We might as well take Friday off. There’s
no work to be done anyway.
6. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s
our special today.
7. Shall we go for a walk?
8. You ought to have your car serviced
before the winter.
SHOULD-COULD-OUGHT TO-
MIGHT-SHALL WE-MAY

7. 1. Could you just sit down and listen!
2. Could you call back later, please?
3. Could I have your attention, sir?
4. May I make an appointment for Tuesday?
5. May I begin?
6. May I have a glass of water, please?
7. Could you tell me the way to the town
center, please?
8. Can you call back later, please?
9. Can I borrow your pen, please?
10. Can I use your bathroom, please?
11. Will you please take the trash out?
12. Would you mind if I sit here?
REQUEST
COULD-MAY-CAN-WILL-WOULD

8. NECESSITY
1. You must have a passport to cross the border.
2. Elisabeth has to apply for her visa by March
10th.
3. I need to drop by his room to pick up a book.
4. I had to work late last night.
5. I needed to drink a few cups of coffee in
order to stay awake.
6. You don’t have to park the car. The hotel valet
will do it for you.
7. Tim doesn’t have to go to school today. It’s a
holiday.
8. You didn’t have to shout. Everyone could hear
you.
9. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.
MUST-HAVE TO-NEED TO

9. 1. We have to wear a uniform when we're
working in reception.
2. When do we have to hand in our
homework?
3. Al has to work tomorrow so he can't come.
4. I must phone my dad. It's his birthday
today.
5. You must hand in your homework on
Tuesday.
6. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers.
7. I had to pay £85 to renew my passport last
week.
OBLIGATION
HAVE TO-MUST

10. PROHIBITION
1. You must not drive over the speed limit.
2. You mustn’t leave medicines where
children can get them.
3. What does this sign say? Oh, we can't park
here.
4. You can't take photos in the museum.
They're really strict about it.
5. Sorry, we can't sell knives to under-18s.
6. Visitors must not park in the staff car
park.
7. Baggage must not be left unattended.
8. Guests must not make noise after 10 p.m.
CAN'T- MUSTN’T

11. MODAL
VERBS
https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-
rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
MODALS EXPALNATION
https://agendaweb.org/verbs/modals-exercises.html
MODAL VERBS EXERCISES 1
https://agendaweb.org/verbs/modals-mixed-2-
exercises.html
MODAL VERBS EXERCISES 2