Modals and Contextual Language Notes

Modals and Auxiliary Verbs

• Modals and auxiliary verbs are helping verbs used to express change and clarify the meaning of a sentence or of a thought.
• MODALS: do not change their appearance (no added -s or -es) or change their form like regular and irregular verbs.
• AUXILIARY: changes its appearance and can be conjugated according to subject tenses of the verb.

1. STRUCTURE

• Formula: MODAL + MAIN VERB
• Examples:
  • Althea Pablo can speak fluent Korean language.
  • He can stay and watch the procedure.
  • I would try a different menu.

2. MODAL VERBS CANNOT BE FOLLOWED BY -ing VERB OR NOUN

• Rule: MODAL VERBS CANNOT BE ADDED BEFORE -ing or before a noun.
• Examples:
  • Janet can going on a vacation (incorrect per transcript)
  • Janet can go on a vacation. (correct)

3. TENSES AND MEANING

• MODAL VERBS DO NOT HAVE TENSES LIKE OTHER VERBS.
• MODAL VERB HAS INDIVIDUAL MEANINGS.
• Examples of irregular verb forms (unrelated to modals themselves):
  • beg, begged; study, studied; break, broke, broken

4. NEGATIVES WITH MODALS

• Modals can form negatives by adding “NOT” to the end of the verb (often contracted).
• Examples:
  • Can = cannot or can’t
  • Shall = shall not or shan’t

Page 2: Modal Uses, Functions, and Conditional Overview

5. ABILITY INABILITY, PERMISSION, OBLIGATION, CONDITIONAL

• Modals express:
  • ability or inability
  • permission
  • obligation and prohibition
  • possibility or probability
  • uncertainty
  • advice

5.1 Question Formation

• Modals can be used to form a question.
• Examples:
  • Should I listen to her?
  • Can we go?
  • Will I make it to the honor list?

5.2 GENERAL FUNCTIONS (MODALS AND AUXILIARY VERBS)

• Express the following:
  • Ability or inability
  • Permission
  • Obligation and prohibition
  • Possibility or probability
  • Uncertainty
  • Advice

5.3 PERMISSION (EXAMPLES OF MODALS)

• In stating permission, modals used include can, could and may.
• Examples:
  • Can I visit you next week?
  • Could I enter the room even I’m late?
  • May I use the restroom?

5.4 OBLIGATION (COMMITMENT OR DUTY)

• Expresses obligation using: have to, has to and must.

5.5 CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

• Definition: Statements about known scenarios or hypothetical situations with results or consequences.
• Types listed (as per transcript):
  • REAL – ZERO
  • FIRST UNREAL – SECOND
  • THIRD

5.6 ZERO CONDITIONALS (REAL SCENARIOS)

• FUNCTIONS: truth, habit, instruction and rule.
• Use: action happening now or always existing around us.

First, Second, and Third Conditionals (FORMULAS as given in transcript)

FIRST CONDITIONALS

• FORMULA (as given):
  $\text{IF clause ( condition )} \; + \; \text{PRESENT SIMPLE ( VERB )} \; + \text{ PRESENT SIMPLE ( result ) }$
• FUNCTIONS: plans, promises, warnings, threats and persuasion; possible to happen in the future.

SECOND CONDITIONALS

• FORMULA (as given):
  $\text{IF CLAUSE ( condition )} \; + \; \text{PRESENT SIMPLE ( verb )} \; + \; \text{ WILL ( result ) } \; + \; \text{ BASE FORM ( verb ) }$
• FUNCTIONS: advice, hypothetical question, dreams and in some cases refusal.

THIRD CONDITIONALS

• FORMULA (as given):
  $\text{IF CLAUSE ( condition )} \; + \; \text{SIMPLE PAST ( verb )} \; + \; \text{ WOULD, SHOULD, COULD, MIGHT (result) } \; + \; \text{ BASE FORM ( verb ) }$
• FUNCTIONS: regret

Page 3: Word Formation and Context Clues

WORD FORMATION

• Refers to the processes of creating and modifying words to expand a language’s vocabulary.
• Techniques listed:
  • CLIPPING
  • BLENDING
  • COMPOUNDING
  • ACRONYM
  • AFFIXES

CLIPPING

• Reduced or shortened

BLENDING

• Combine or merge

COMPOUNDING

• Different words combined

ACRONYM

• Combining the first letter or syllable

AFFIXES

• Words added before the root word and words added after the root word

Page 4: Context Clues and Communicative Style (Part 1)

CONTEXT CLUES

• Definition: Hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
• Types:
  • SYNONYM
  • ANTONYM
  • DEFINITION
  • EXAMPLES

SYNONYM

• Clues with the same meaning of an unknown word in the sentence.

ANTONYM

• Clues which provide a contrast to the unfamiliar word.

DEFINITION

• Provides a direct explanation of the unfamiliar word in the same sentence.

EXAMPLE(S)

• Clues provide examples or instances that help define the unfamiliar word.

COMMUNICATIVE STYLE

• Is the process of passing and understanding information through verbal and non-verbal means.
• Styles listed:
  • CASUAL
  • INTIMATE
  • CONSULTATIVE
  • FORMAL
  • FROZEN

Page 5: Communicative Style Details

1. CASUAL

• Definition: Informal way of speaking used with friends, peers, or people of the same age or status. Often uses slang, contractions, and incomplete sentences.
• When used: In conversations with friends, social media chats, or casual group talks.

2. INTIMATE

• Definition: Private speech style using personal language, inside jokes, and endearments. May include gestures, incomplete thoughts, or even silence since people understand each other deeply.
• When used: Between couples, family members, or very close friends.

3. CONSULTATIVE

• Definition: A semi-formal style used in professional or transactional settings where one person provides information or advice and the other responds. It is two-way communication.
• When used: In teacher–student talks, doctor–patient conversations, or employee–boss discussions.

4. FORMAL

• Definition: Careful, structured, and grammatically correct language. Sentences are complete, vocabulary is precise, and the tone is respectful.
• When used: In speeches, job interviews, debates, meetings, or school reports.

5. FROZEN

• Definition: Fixed and unchanging speech that is often memorized, repeated, and cannot be altered. It is usually highly respectful and symbolic.
• When used: In the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers, national anthems, legal oaths, or traditional ceremonies.

Made by: Pablo, Althea M. Public Information Officer