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Look at the Following Pair of Sentences. Underline the Modals and Discuss Why Each One is Used in that Sentence. - English - Communicative

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Question

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

Modal Examples Uses
Can/ can't

She can read and write

It can rain today

Can I borrow your pen?

Can you lend me your notes?

Can I carry your books?

ability

possibility /probability

seeking permission

request

offer

Could/ couldn't

Could I borrow your book?

Could you please help me with  this sum?

We could go for a picnic on Sunday

I think you could come first this time 

There was a time when I could  work round the clock.

seeking permission

request

suggestion

possibility/ probability

past ability

May

May I have some water?

May I help you?

May I shut the door?

India may become a super power by 2020.

May God bless you

request

offer

permission

possibility/ probability

wish/ desire

Might They might sell their house as they need the money. future possibility/ probability
Will /Won't

It is very cold so I will stay at home.

I will help you if you wish.

Will you look after my dog for a day?

It will rain tonight.

I will get you a shawl from Srinagar.

intention

offer

request

prediction

promise

Would/Wouldn't

Would you mind if I come over tonight?

Would five o'clock suit you?

Yes it would.

Would you pass the salt?

Would you come to my party?

Would you prefer tea or coffee?

permission

making arrangements

request

invitation

preference

 

 

Shall

Shall I help you?

Shall we meet at 3.00 pm outside Bakshi Stadium?

offer

making arrangements

Should

We should check the timings of the train.

You should listen to the advice of your elders.

recommended action

advice

Ought to

You ought to do your duty.

The bus ought to be here any minute

advice

probability

Must/mustn't

We must make a move now.

You mustn't tell lies.

obligation

necessity

Need

He need not go to the market.

You need to lose weight.

I need to get the groceries.

necessity

compulsion

insistence

Answer in Brief
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Solution

1. (a) Can’t—I’m not allowed to go.
(b) Needn’t—It is not compulsory but I may go if I wish.

2. (a) Can—I am physically able to swim a length of the pool.
(b) Can—The authorities permit me to swim on Saturdays.

3. (a) Ought—You have a moral obligation to get her a nice present.
(b) Have to—You are being ordered to get her a nice present.

4. (a) Can—This is a less formal/polite way of asking permission to go to the toilet.
(b) May—This is a more formal/polite way of asking permission to leave.

5. (a) May—Implies that it is slightly more likely than in sentence (b).
(b) Might—Implies that it is slightly less likely than in sentence (a).

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Chapter 4: Modals - Exercises [Page 60]

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