Transcript MODALS - Restaurant Gymnase du Bugnon

MODALS
THEORY
& EXERCISES
What are « modals »?


Modals (or modal verbs, auxiliaries) are used
to modify the main verb and give a new
meaning to the sentence.
The most common structure is modal +
infinitive :
I work
I can work
I must work
I should work ...
Modality meaning

OBLIGATION

ABSENCE OF OBLIGATION
Must (self obligation)
Need not
• We must be generous. • You needn’t help me.
Have to (external
requirement)
• We have to go.
Be to (formal)
• Visitors are to leave at 6
pm.
Modality meaning
WEAK OBLIGATION
Should
• You should try.
Ought to
• I ought to help you.

PROHIBITION
Must not
• You mustn’t steal.
May not
• They may not speak.
Cannot
• I can’t tell you.

Modality meaning
PERMISSION & HELP
Can
• You can go out.
May
• They may come in.
Be allowed to
• I was allowed to eat.

Could
Could you help me?
Might
They might sit.
Need not
I need not stay.
Modality meaning
DOUBT
May
• This is a good
proposition, so she
may accept it.
Might
• Federer might lose
his title soon.

BELIEF & DISBELIEF
Must
• You must be tired.
Can’t / couldn’t
• It can’t be true!
• They couldn’t have
lied to their parents.

Modality meaning
ABILITY &
POSSIBILITY
Can, could
• I can play the flute.
Be able to
• I was able to
answer.

OTHERS
To have something done
• I have my car repaired.
Be to (future)
• She is to receive her
diploma next week.

Semi-auxiliaries, marginal modals
and modal idioms
be able to
dare
had better
be likely to
need
would rather
be meant to
ought to ...
be willing to
used to
be supposed to
...
...
Degrees of likelihood
Manchester Utd [modal]
win the championship in
2010.
SHOULD / OUGHT TO
WOULD
COULD
MIGHT
WILL
MUST / HAVE TO
CAN
MAY
Consider the following sentences.
What do the modals imply?




The mountains should
be visible from here.
There must be a
mistake.
Could you please give
me a hand?
May I ask you
something?




Go to bed, you might
feel better soon if you
do.
You really ought to
phone Mum.
They have to be careful
with their money.
It can’t be true!
Spot and correct the errors.







It ought be changed immediately.
Look at these darkd clouds! I’m sure it might
rain.
You musn’t speak like this to your father.
It should to be easy to get her agreement.
Mr Spencer, can you help me?
Ten years ago, I was allowed to golf very well.
I could like to do it, but I may not, sorry.
Some interactive exercises now...
An easy one to start with...
Exercise 1
Now more difficult... But first, let’s watch Friends!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQOfh3KcjU4&feature=related (part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56LhyFAo1A&feature=related (part 2)
Exercise Friends & Modals « The One with Monica and Chandler’s Wedding«
In case the Friends exercise doesn’t work or is unavailable...
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Alice in Wonderland Trailer

To help you revising:
A very complete modals chart with examples (past, present, future)
Further exercises






Create a poster with school rules (for students AND teachers) or laws in
your own imaginary country.
Imagine your ideal best friend /roommate / teacher / world / partner /
...
Draw some fancy roadsigns and have your classmates guess what they
mean.
In groups, discuss and compare what you are (not) allowed to do at
home / in your country (if you are a foreigner)...
Act out a dialogue between a father and his daughter, using as many
modals as possible. Start like this: « Dad, may I... ». Use your own
experience!
Act out a politician’s speech. Imagine you want to be elected President.
Be as convincing as possible!