My English Corner for 4th ESO: Modal verbs

Showing posts with label Modal verbs. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 June 2021

Modal Verbs IV

Some modal verbs (must, cannot, may, might, could) can have more than one use.

When we want to talk about the degree of possibility of something, we use them. Depending on how sure we are about the fact, we will use one modal verb or another. Besides, depending on whether our prediction was in the past or in the present, we will change the verb tense.

Here is a quick guide on how to use them:

Modal verbs in present tense: Modal verb + inf
Modal verbs in past tense: Modal verb + have + past participle

Must

Present: we believe that something is true.

You have been studying the whole morning. You must be tired.

Past tense: we believe that something is true.

He studied a lot for his exams. He must have been happy after he finished them.

Cannot (can’t)

Present: We are certain that something is NOT possible.

I saw him on the city center ten minutes ago so he cannot be home yet.

Past: We are certain that something is NOT possible.

You cannot have seen him in the office, he is on a trip.

May / Might / Could

Present: You think that something is possible.

I might go to the cinema, I don’t know yet.

Past: you think that something is possible.

He might have forgotten to call you. (He did not call, so there is a possibility that he forgot).

Ex.

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

MODAL VERBS III

Expressing obligation in English is a communicative need. For that, we use imperatives and modal verbs: MUST/ MUSTN'T and pseduo-modal structures: HAVE TO, NEED TO. However, we have to pay special attention to the differences in meaning existing among them.

MODAL VERB – HAVE TO

Here are the ways in which we use ‘have to’ as a modal.

– advice (to advise someone)

– necessity (a requirement)
– persuade (to persuade someone to do something)

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘have to’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

MODAL VERB – MUST

You mustn’t procrastinate, you must learn the uses of ‘must’ today without delay.

Here are the ways in which we use ‘must’ as a modal.

– necessity (a requirement)

– persuade (to persuade someone to do something)
– prohibit (stop someone doing something)

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘must’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

MODAL VERB – NEED TO

Here is another modal you need to learn today. Check out the ways in which we use ‘need to’ as a modal.

– necessity (a requirement)

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘need to’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

Don't forget to double check the differences between: MUST, HAVE TO, NEED TO AND SHOULD:

MODAL VERB QUIZ – HAVE TO, MUST, NEED TO

Now you must test yourself with this quiz. You need to know about modals to become a pro.

Answers: 1. have to/must/need to 2. needn’t/don’t have to 3. must 4. have to/must/need to 5. have to/must/need to 6. mustn’t 7. need to 8. didn’t have to

ACTIVITIES: