Modals, an Introduction


Modals comprise a frequently used Part of Speech in the English language. Moreover, they can be used in a variety of ways. In this lesson we will focus on three of those uses: (1) expressing possibility, (2) making a suggestion or offering advice and (3) indicating an obligation. Let's look at some examples of how modals might be used.
Modals of Possibility

Yuna: Where is Bruno right now?
Aoi: He may be teaching Toru how to dance.

In other words, Aoi believes that there is a possibility that Bruno is teaching Toru how to dance. Let's look at another example.

Amy: Why is Joshua smiling?
Len: His New England Patriots might have just won the Super Bowl.

So, Len thinks there is a possibility that Joshua is smiling because his favorite team won the Super Bowl.

What are the grammar rules for modals?
Sakura might toUse the base form of a verb after a modal. eat okonomiyaki for dinner. *Negative* Couldn't is not used to show possibility.
Smiley might studyingUse the base form of a verb after a modal. hard for this class. *Positive* Could it have been a burglar who came to Camila's room?
Leonie may danceUse the base form of a verb after a modal. with Vladimir tonight. MayDo not say,"May it rain tonight?" is not used in questions to show possibility.
Julio will could Use the base form of the verb after "will".come to school on his bicycle. Could is generally used instead of might to ask Yes/No questions about possibility.

Notice that modals are immediately followed by the base form of a verb. We cannot say, "may is teaching", "may to be teaching", or "might has just won". Moreover, we cannot (with one exception) use two modals next to each other.

Now, let's practice using modals of possibility. Select an appropriate response to each situation below.

1. It's raining outside.

Akane might to bring an umbrella.
Akane might bring an umbrella.
Akane might bringing an umbrella.
Akane might will bring an umbrella.

2. Haruhisa is teaching Japanese to Eleazar now.

Couldn't Eleazar study Japanese by himself?
Might Eleazar to learn a lot of Japanese?
Eleazar may learn only dirty words in Japanese.
Eleazar might be learn Japanese well.

3. Len never goes to Fatburger.

The prices could to be too expensive.
He might on diet.
He couldn't like hamburgers.
The prices could well be too expensive.

4. Philip stole Melis's pizza.

Melis couldn't to be hungry anymore.
Melis doesn't might like pizza anyway.
Melis maybe hungry now.
Melis may be angry now.

5. Jialin is talking to Hao Ma.

They could be sisters.
Couldn't they be sisters?
They might have been sisters.
They might to look like friends.
If you did not complete all five sentences correctly, please try again.
Show/Hide Answers
The answers are:

Match each statement with the appropriate response by dragging a statement to an empty box just above a response.

It's a hot day today. Andre consumed 6 hotdogs and 3 redbulls. Elena kissed Misato's boyfriend at the prom. Minatsu looks very happy. Romeo is following Juliet.
He may need to run to the restroom soon. She may have a date with someone tonight. He might be a stalker. Sakura might go to the beach. Misato could be very angry right now.
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