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emotion |
possession |
perception (often used with can) |
measurement |
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Some verbs, like the ones mentioned above, are not normally used in the continuous (- ing) form. However, we do sometimes use such verbs in the continuous form. Look at the following examples.
1. “I can’t concentrate on my work because I’m thinking about that beautiful scene.”
2. “I think it is beautiful.”
- Which sentence expresses an activity in progress at the moment?
- Which sentence expresses a decided opinion?
Complete the following news item by choosing the correct word from the options given below.

(a) (i) has celebrated
(ii) was celebrating
(iii) celebrated
(iv) was celebrated
(b) (i) were
(ii) was
(iii) was being
(iv) has been
(c) (i) was inaugurating
(ii) had inaugurated
(iii) inaugurated
(iv) inaugurating
(d) (i) had been planting
(ii) planted
(iii) were planting
(iv) had planted
(e) (i) had urged
(ii) had been urging
(iii) urged
(iv) urging
(f) (i) presented
(ii) was presented
(iii) were presenting
(iv) had presented
Look at the following pair of sentences. Underline the modals and discuss why each one is used in that sentence.
e.g.
I must not take those pills. (I’m not allowed.)
I need not take those pills. (It is not compulsory but I may if I wish.)
1. (a) I can’t go to the meeting because I’m not a member.
(b) I needn’t go to the meeting if I don’t wish to.
2. (a) I can swim a length of the pool.
(b) I can swim in the pool on Saturdays.
3. (a) You ought to get a nice present for her.
(b) You have to get a nice present for her.
4. (a) Can I go to the toilet?
(b) May I be excused?
5. (a) I may come tomorrow if I have the time.
(b) I might come tomorrow but it’s going to be difficult.
Did you know?
Modals are a small group of verbs that are used to express possibility,
probability, capability, capacity, ability, obligation and predictions.
Some of the modals you learnt in this unit are
can
may
shall
could
might
should
Need, dare, had better are also modals.
Understanding Modals:
Modal Auxiliaries
A modal verb or auxiliary verb is a verb, which modifies another verb, so that
the modified verb has more intention in its expression. In essence the modal
verb expresses modality, the way in which something is being said.
The main modals are
Can: could; may: might; shall: should; will: would: must; ought to; need to;
have to.
The negative modals are
Couldn't; wouldn't; shouldn't; mustn't; needn't; oughtn't/ ought not to