ENGLISH (9)

Q1

MODAL VERBS

A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission, or obligation and many other.

So these are words that express different kinds of things and they behave differently from regular verbs and that’s why they’re sometimes a little bit confusing.

Modals of Permission

Modals of permission are used to ask for or give permission to do something. The most common modals of permission are:

  • Can/Could: Used to ask for permission in a polite way. Example: Can I borrow your pen, please?
  • May/Might: Used to ask for formal permission. Example: May I leave the room, sir?
  • Would: Used to ask for permission in a more polite and formal way. Example: Would it be possible for me to use your computer?
  • Shall: Used to ask for permission in a formal way. Example: Shall I open the window?
  • Do you mind: Used to ask for permission in a more polite way. Example: Do you mind if I sit here?
  • Is it okay if: Used to ask for permission in a more casual way. Example: Is it okay if I leave early today?
  • Permission granted: Used to give permission in a formal way. Example: Permission granted, you may leave the room.
  • Sure/Of course: Used to give permission in a more casual way. Example: Sure, you can borrow my book.

Modals of permission are important in both formal and informal situations. It is important to use the appropriate modal of permission depending on the context and the level of formality required.

  • CAN

We often use can to ask for and give permission.

Can i sit here?

You can use my car if you like.

Can i make a suggestion?

  • MAY

May is the most formal way to ask for and give permission.

May i see your passport, please?

Customers may request a refund within a period of 30 days.

This pages may be photocopied for classroom use.

  • COULD

We also use could to ask for permission (but not to give it). Could is more polite than can.

Could i ask you something?

Could i interrupt?

Could i borrow your pen for a moment, please?

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Modals of Prohibition

Modals of prohibition are used to express that something is not allowed or prohibited. The most common modals of prohibition are:

  • Must not: This modal is used to express a strong prohibition. For example, "You must not smoke in this area."
  • Cannot: This modal is used to express that something is impossible or not allowed. For example, "I cannot let you enter without a valid ID."
  • Should not: This modal is used to express a recommendation against doing something. For example, "You should not eat too much junk food."
  • Ought not to: This modal is used to express a moral obligation against doing something. For example, "You ought not to cheat in exams."
  • May not: This modal is used to express a possibility of not being allowed to do something. For example, "You may not be allowed to bring your own food to the event."

It is important to note that modals of prohibition are used to express a negative command or prohibition. They are often used in formal situations and carry a strong tone.

  • CAN’T

We use can’t to talk about something that is against the rules, particularly when we didn’t make te rules.

What does this sign say? Oh, we can’t park here.

You can’t take photos in the museum. They’re really strict about it.

Sorry, we can’t just sell knives to under-18s.

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  • MUST NOT/ MUSTN’T

We use must not to talk about what is not permitted. It is common on public signs and notices informing people of rules and laws.

Visitors must not park in the staff car park.

Baggage must not be left unattended.

Guests must not make noise after 10 p.m.

(We use mustn’t particularly when prohibition comes from the speaker.)

(Parent to child) You mustn’t say things like that to your sister.

(Teacher to student) You mustn’t be late to class. I mustn’t let that happen again.

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Modals of Obligation

Modals of obligation are used to express duties, responsibilities, and requirements. They indicate that something is necessary or required. The most common modals of obligation are:

  • Must: It is used to express a strong obligation or necessity. It is often used to give orders or instructions.
  • Have to: It is used to express a general obligation or requirement. It is often used to talk about rules, laws, or social norms.
  • Should: It is used to express a recommendation or advice. It is often used to give suggestions or opinions.
  • Ought to: It is used to express a moral obligation or duty. It is often used to talk about what is right or wrong.

Examples

  • You must submit your assignment by Friday.
  • I have to wear a uniform to work.
  • You should drink plenty of water every day.
  • We ought to help those in need.

Negation

To express the absence of obligation, we use the negative form of the modal verb:

  • Must not: It is used to express a prohibition or a strong recommendation against doing something.
  • Do not have to: It is used to express the absence of obligation or requirement.

Examples

  • You must not smoke in the building.
  • I do not have to attend the meeting tomorrow.

Conclusion

Modals of obligation are important in expressing duties, responsibilities, and requirements. They help us communicate effectively in various situations, from giving orders to expressing moral obligations.

  • HAVE TO

Have to shows us that the obligation comes from outside the speaker.

We have to wear uniform when we’re working in reception.

(Student to teacher) When do we have to hand in our homework?

Cristina has to work tomorrow so she can’t come.

  • MUST

Must expresses a strong obligation or necessity. It often shows us that the obligation comes from the speaker (or the authority that wrote the sentence).

I must call my dad. It’s his birthday today.

(Teacher to student) You must hand in your homework on Tuesday or you will lose ten percent of your mark.

(Sign on a plane) Seat belts must be worn by all passengers.

NO OBLIGATION

  • DONT HAVE TO

We use don’t have to show that there is no obligation. You can do something if you want to but it’s not compulsory.

You don’t have to wear tie in our office, but some people like to dress more formally.

You don’t have to go to the bank to do a transfer. You can do it online.

You don’t have to come with me, honestly. I’ll be fine!