Modals Prince Zak and the Wise Frog MODALS

Modals Prince Zak and the Wise Frog

MODALS can’t may not mustn’t shall shan’t will won’t couldn’t might not ought to ought not to shouldn’t wouldn’t

can • show ability Michael can solve the sum quickly.

Could • show ability in the past • show possibility Michael could solve the sum quickly if he had been practising hard.

Could • show politeness Ray could help you with the laundry but he was too busy with his project. Could you show me the way to the principal’s office?

may • show permission • make a formal request You may have another candy bar. May I know the address, Mrs Soh?

might • show possibility Michael told me that he might not attend the ceremony. I think the supervisor might like to look at your proposal.

will • show a future action • make a request Michael will have to take the oral examination next week. Will you help Mother with the dishes?

would • show a desire • make an offer or a suggestion • show politeness Michael would love to visit the island. Would you mind if I turn out the lights?

would • make a choice • give advice Joyce would rather take a taxi than walk to the library. If I were Tom, I would sign up for the course.

would • in contraction “ I’d like to learn how to swim, ” said Tim. Mr Li remarked, “She’d know the answer. ”

would • the incorrect use of contraction at the end of a sentence “ I would not fight the cat but Jerry said he’d , ” Tim said. X “ I wouldn’t fight the cat but Jerry said he would , ” Tim said.

shall • used with “I” or “we” • show a future action • make a suggestion The walnut cake is delicious. I shall have another. Shall we go to the movies?

should, ought to • express responsibility or obligation • Michael offer anought advice or a suggestion to help his cousin. It’s going to rain. You should bring an umbrella.

must • a responsibility • certainty • a necessity Alfred must be home no later than ten. You must not play in the museum.

Let’s try… Refer to your stellar reader and highlight sentences with the modals, - can - may - must - should - would Let’s create a sentence for each modal and write it in your grammar exercise book. Have fun!