Indicating degrees of possibility Using Adverbs Modal Verbs

Indicating degrees of possibility Using Adverbs & Modal Verbs

Adverbs An adverb tells you more about a verb. Some adverbs tell us how certain we are about the verb. I can probably become a punk rocker. It will possibly be a surprise to my friends. You will definitely notice me in the street.

Adverbs You can order these adverbs by certainty. certainly perhaps definitely surely possibly LESS CERTAIN What order would you put these in? maybe never CERTAIN

Adverbs You can order these adverbs by certainty. perhaps maybe possibly LESS CERTAIN What order would you put these in? surely never definitely certainly CERTAIN

Adverbs of certainty usually go before the main verb. You certainly need to be dedicated to become a painter. We will definitely admire your art. Some adverbs of certainty can go at the beginning of the sentence. Maybe you will win an award. Perhaps your work will be shared across the world.

Adverbs I will never give up on my dream. I will possibly visit Australia when I am older. They surely recognise her talent. She is probably playing football for a team. We definitely love watching. Can you change the degree of possibility/certainty in these sentences?

Modal Verb should… and must… ought… are all forms of…

Modal Verbs Modal verbs express certainty ability or obligation. should ought and must are the modal verbs of obligation – they state things you’ve got to do.

Modal verbs are placed before the verb they are modifying. I thought I should drive combine harvesters for a job. You ought to travel the world by bike. They must have jobs that make them happy.

Modal Verbs of obligation You should do a job that gets you out into the fresh air. You ought to work as a doctor. You must become a skydiver.

Modal Verbs Modal verbs express certainty, ability or obligation. can might ought would may must shall will should could

Modal Verbs Modal verbs express certainty, ability or obligation. can might ought would may must shall will Which modal verbs are to do with certainty? should could

Modal Verbs Modal verbs express certainty, ability or obligation. can might ought would may must shall will Which modal verbs are to do with ability? should could

Modal Verbs Modal verbs express certainty, ability or obligation. can might ought would may must shall will Which modal verbs are to do with obligation? should could

Indicating Degrees of Certainty using Modal Verbs I might win the race. I will win the race. I may win the race. Which sentence is most certain?

Indicating Degrees of Obligation using Modal Verbs You should tidy your room. You ought to tidy your room. You must tidy your room. Which sentence has the strongest degree of obligation?

Indicating Ability using Modal Verbs I might speak French. I would speak French. I can speak French. I must speak French. Which sentence indicates ability?

Using Modal Verbs Modal verbs are useful for expressing shades of meaning. I could tidy my bedroom but I will play games instead. I am able to tidy but I intend to play games. I should do some homework but I might have a sandwich. I feel obliged to work but it is possible that I will eat a sandwich. You can go to the park but must you go? You are able to go to the park but is it necessary?

I shall feed the rabbit. Using Modal Verbs Use a modal verb in a sentence to… My brother might feed the rabbit. indicate that it is certain that you will feed the rabbit. indicate that you are not sure your brother will. indicate that you are able to play the trumpet. indicate that it is possible that an audience will enjoy listening. I can play the trumpet. Certainty Obligation Ability might would will shall may ought should must can could They may enjoy listening to me play.

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