Modals

1. MODALS
Blind Spot
Annie C. Escañan-Lauras
MAEnglish
Saint Paul University Surigao City

2. Lesson Objectives:
Identify modals
Distinguish the uses of modals according to
purpose, attitude and intention
Demonstrate polite requests using modals.
Respond to requests using ordinary answers.
At the end of the lesson the students are expected to perform the
following

3. Modals
(auxiliaries) In English are: can, could, had better,
may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will, and
would.
you need them to express your purpose, attitude,
or intention. For example, sometimes you may feel
that some points or ideas are necessary, probable,
advisable, possible, and permissible;

4. You need modals as a tool for expression.
Each modal can be used to express one or more
meaning, intention, or attitude.

5. The formula for modal auxiliaries is: [modal +
verb in the base form. Therefore the modal
auxiliaries are formed with the present base
added to them as in:
can try, could try, had better try, may try,
might try, must try, ought to try, shall try,
should try, will try, would try.

6. Consider the following table.
Modal Auxiliaries
Modal + F1 (Base form of verb)
can start
could start
I had better start
We may start
You might start
She must start
He ought to start
They shall start
It should start
will start
would start
Similar Expressions
[ Expression + to + F1 ]
be able to start
be going to start
be supposed to start
be to start
have to start
have got to start
used to start

7. The Modals and their Uses
1. POLITE REQUESTS WITH “ I ” Examples:
Responses:
May I borrow your book? Certainly. Yes, certainly.
Could I borrow your book? Of course. Yes, of course.
Can I borrow your book? Sure. (Informal)
Note: May I and Could I can be both used to request permission. They are both polite expressions. In a
polite request, could have a present or future meaning, not past. Can is used in informal conversation.
It is less polite.

8. 2. POLITE REQUESTS WITH “YOU”
Would you open the door (please)? Yes, I’d (I would) be glad to.
Will you (please) open the door? Yes, I’d be pleased to.
Could you open the door? Certainly.
Could you open the door? Sure. (Informal)
Examples: Responses

9. Task 39
Directions: For each given situation, make
a polite request and ORDINARY answer.
SITUATIONS POLITE REQUEST ANSWER
You want to leave class early. You are speaking
to your teacher.
Teacher, may I leave
the class early?
Yes, of course.
I’m sorry you may not.
You call your cousin. Someone else answered
the phone.
Could you please tell
him that I called this
morning?
Certainly.
Yes, I’d be pleased to.
You want your brother to answer a phone call
from your office while you are away at a party.
Would you mind if you
answer/answered the
phone call from my
office?
No, of course not.
No, not at all.
It is getting late but you are still at your friend’s
house. You want to use the phone to inform your
mother.
Would you mind if I
use/used your phone?
No, of course not.
No, not at all.
You have arrived from Palawan. You are
speaking on the phone to your father. You want
him to pick you up at the airport.
Dad, could you please
pick me up at the airport?
Dad, would you pick me
up at the airport?
Sure.

10. 3. REQUESTS WITH “WOULD YOU MIND”
~ This expression is used in two situations: (a) to ask
permission, and (b) to ask someone else to do
something.
ASKING PERMISSION
1. Would you mind if I
turned on the light.
2. Would you mind if I
used your comb?
Note: would you mind is
used with the simple past
form. The simple past dies
not refer to past time after
would you mind; it refers to
present or future time.
However, sometimes, in
informal conversation, the
simple present is used.
ORDINARY RESPONSES
No. Not at all.
No, of course, not.
No, that would be fine.

11. Task 40
Directions: By using the verb in parentheses, fill in the blank either
with if + the simple form or with the v-ing (F4) of the verb. In some of
the sentences, either response can be possible but the meaning will
be different.
Polite Requests Ordinary Responses
1. I don’t like that wrestling match on Channel 14. Would you mind (change)
______ the channel?
2. Excuse me. Would you mind (explain) ______ a little bit more? I missed
your points.
3. I don’t feel well, sorry. Would you mind (leave) ______ early?
4. Are you going to the library? Would you mind (return) ______ these books
for me?
5. I can’t understand how to apply this formula until now. Would you mind
(ask) ______ for your help?
6. It’s so stuffy in here. Would you mind (open) ______ the windows?
7. Would you mind (tell) ______ where you were at about eight last night?
8. Would you mind (smoke) ______.
9. Would you mind (go) ______ alone to the party? I have an emergency
appointment with somebody.
10.I know it’s none of my business but would you mind (ask) ______ about
your civil status?
No, that would be fine.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.
No, that would be fine.
No, not at all/ No, of course, not.

12. 4. USING IMPERATIVE SENTENCES TO MAKE
POLITE REQUESTS
An imperative sentence can be used to make polite request by adding
“please” or “could you please”, tag questions “would you” or “could you”.
In a formal situation, you can use “won’t you”.
Examples:
Please return the book at once.
Return the book at once Could you please return the book at once?
Return the book at once would/could you?
Return the book at once, won’t you?

13. Task 41
Directions: Change the following imperative
sentence into polite requests.
Imperative Sentences Polite Requests
1. Turn off the light and the electric fan.
2. Give me that book.
3. Stand up.
4. Attention.
5. Pass me the rice.
6. Sweep the floor.
7. Fix the radio.
8. Listen to me.
9. Remove your shoes.
10.Sit properly.
Please turn off the electric fan.
Please give me the book.
Please stand up.
Please pay attention.
Please pass me the rice.
Please sweep the floor.
Please fix the radio.
Please listen to me.
Please remove your shoes.
Please sit properly.

14. TASK 42
Directions: Ask polite questions given the following
situations. Use any appropriate modal (could, would,
may, etc.) or you may use polite imperative.
You have a field trip to Sagada, Mountain Province. Your
van which will be waiting at the Carabao Plaza leaves at
five A.M. tomorrow. You want your friend to drop by your
house and both of you go to the meeting place.
You are in your teacher’s house. There is a bowl of fruits
on the table. You want the apple.
You are in the Dean’s office. It is very warm. The aircon is
off. You want to turn it on.
You and your mother window shop. You see a pair of
shoes just your size. It’s on sale. You want your mother to
buy it for you.
You are a stranger in the city. You want to go to the
nearest post office.
Situations
Can you drop by our house so together we could go to….
Would you mind if you dropped by our house…..
Would you mind if I get an apple from the bowl?
Could I get an apple?
Would you mind if I turned on the aircon?
Could/Would you buy that shoes for me?
Excuse me… could/would tell me where the nearest post
office is please?
Will/Would you (please) tell me where….

15. TASK 43
Directions: Write down some polite requests you
might use in the following places.
inside a movie house
in a mall
on the street
at the bus station
inside a bus
at the grocery store
in a telephone booth
inside a jeepney
in a victory party
inside a classroom
Would you mind talking softly?
Would you tell me how much that —is?
Will you please help me cross the street?
Would you please tell me the time the bus going to Baguio leaves?
Would you mind if I sat beside you?
Can I help you?
Would you please tell me how much is it to call long distance?
Could you please stop at the corner?
May I dance with you?
Would you mind lowering your voice?

16. 5. EXPRESSING NECESSITY:
MUST, HAVE TO, HAVE GOT TO
Consider the following sentences:
a. If you like to study in college, you must take a college admission test.
b. If you like to study in college, you have to take a college admission
test.
c. If you like to study in college, you have got to take a college
admission test.
Must, have to, have got to all expresses necessity; must express a
stronger necessity. The expression “have got to” is informal English.
Example: I’ve got to do it now. (Usually, the auxiliary “have” is dropped,
hence, “I got to do it now.” The expression “gotta” is actually “got to.”
“Had to” is used to express past necessity.

17. TASK 44
Directions: Answer the following questions. Practice
speaking have to and have got to.
Questions Answers
1. What have you got to do after reading this book?
2. What do you have to do today?
3. What are some of the things you have got to
do during a school break?
4. Can you think of the things you must
accomplish before Christmas?
5. When does he have to submit the proposal.
I’ve (I have) got to rest my eyes.
I have to execute the things I…
I’ve got to mend the fence…
I must raise some funds for…
I must make a list of the ….
He has to submit his budget…

18. 6. LACK OF NECESSITY AND PROHIBITION:
HAVE TO AND MUST IN THE NEGATIVE
1. Next week is called “Integration Period.” We don’t have to go to
classes for we are expected to spend the period in reviewing for the
final exams.
2. You need not worry about the exam. It is usually easy.
3. We must not waste time during the university’s Integration Period.
• “Don’t have to” expresses lack of necessity.
• “Need not” expresses lack of necessity.
• “Must not” expresses prohibition.
Consider the use of the expression - don’t have to

19. TASK 45
Directions: Fill in the blanks appropriately with must
not or have to in the following sentences.
I ________ leave the door unlocked.
Sam ________ go to the health clinic. He is already feeling well.
You ________ attend the concert tonight. You are running a fever.
Romeo! You ________ play with your father’s gun.
If you encounter a ferocious dog on the street, ________ show you are afraid.

20. I must not leave the door unlocked.
Sam must not go to the health clinic. He is already feeling well.
You must not attend the concert tonight. You are running a fever.
Romeo! You must not play with your father’s gun.
If you encounter a ferocious dog on the street, you must not show you are
afraid.

21. TASK 46
Directions: Continue the following sentences with your own expressions.
Example: The citizens must not ________.
The citizens must not believe the promises of the politicians.
The citizens don’t have to ________.
The citizens don’t have to depend on the promises of politicians.
1. Girls must not ________.
2. Girls don’t have to _________.
3. Drivers must not ________.
4. Drivers don’t have to ________.
5. Tourists must not ________.
6. Tourists don’t have to ________.
7. Policemen must not ________.
8. Policemen don’t have to ________.
9. Radio announcers must not ________.
10. Radio announcers don’t have to ________.

22. TASK 46
1. Girls must not wear skimpy clothes.
2. Girls don’t have to go to discos late in the evening.
3. Drivers must not text while driving.
4. Drivers don’t have to argue with passengers.
5. Tourists must not forget their passports.
6. Tourists don’t have to rely on others for reminders.
7. Policemen must not leave their posts.
8. Policemen don’t have to go far during meal time..
9. Radio announcers must not tell lies.
10. Radio announcers don’t have to say mean remarks.

23. 7. ADVISABILITY: SHOULD, OUGHT TO, HAD BETTER
Consider the following sentences:
You should save more for the rainy days.
You should not spend on trivialities.
You ought to respect your parents.
You ought not disrespect your parents. (to is dropped)
You should’t ear much before going to sleep.
You had better submit your proposal on time.
You’d better keep your opinion yo yourself. ( contraction of had better)
These modals express a range of advisability from mere suggestions to a statement or
responsibility or obligation, “Had better” gives a sense of warning or threat.

24. TASK 47
Directions: Complete the following sentences.
1. I should read more because
________.
2. You’d better not stop at the middle of
the bridge for ________.
3. It looks like a heavy rain. If you’re
going out, ________.
4. I should finis my work today, or
________.
5. You shouldn’t stay up very late
tonight because ________.
I need more information.
it is dangerous.
you should bring your umbrella or
raincoat.
I’d better quit the job.
I have an appointment early in the
morning.

25. TASK 48
Directions: Give a suggestion or advice to the speaker
who seems to be in trouble.
I’m inside a very cold movie house. I did not bring my jacket.
I have flu and I am alone in my apartment.
My foot is asleep.
I have a problem with my sweetheart.
I have a hiccup.
My cousin is arriving from Japan tonight and I am asked to pick her up at the airport. I forgot the time
of arrival.
My roommate snores and I am bothered; I can’t sleep.
I have only five pesos but I must ride the jeepney to go to school.
I have a terrible headache.
The two books that I borrowed are due today.

26. TASK 49
Directions: Given two options, choose the one that is
stronger in impact.
1. You are sick.
A. You’d better see a doctor.
B. You should see a doctor.
2. You have homework to submit but you were not able to finish it.
C. You’d better talk with your teacher.
D. You should talk with your teacher.
3. Our teacher is not around yet.
E. We ought to wait for her.
F. We should wait for her.
4. The program begins on time.
G. We’d better not be late.
H. We must not be late.

27. 8. THE PAST FORM OF SHOULD
[should have+past participle, OUGHT
TO[ought to have+ past participle]
I know thate is an exam today but I did not prepare
for it. I should have studied last night. [ Meaning:
studying is good but I didn’t do it. I made a
mistake.]
I did not inform my parents that I am coming today
for some allowance. I ought to have called them up
yesterday.

28. TASK 50
Directions: Read to the following situations.
Use should have + past participle.
1. My little sister made a mistake last night. She forgot to turn off the
faucet in the bathroom.
Sam sold his motor bike. Now, he needs it to go around the campus.
He made a mistake.
Rey signed a contract without reading specifications thoroughly. He
is sorry for that.
I advised Ruthie to see her doctor about her chronic cough. She did
not heed my advice. She is very sick now.
You know that the meeting yesterday was very important. But you
did not attend. You missed so much information.

29. TASK 51
Directions: Give your response to the following situations. For
example:
Situation: You are sick because you didn’t heed the advice of
the doctor.
Response: I should have heeded the advice.
1. The government officer told a lie. Now he is in trouble.
2. You had to pay a fine because your library book was overdue.
3. You did not use the pedestrian and. You made a mistake.
4. You slept in a bus. You work up in a strange place.
5. You are all wet because you did not bring your raincoat.
6. The house is full of mosquito because you did not close the door.
7. Your rose plants are all dead; you did not water them for two weeks.
8. Your telephone line will be cut off; you did not p;ay last month.

30. 9. EXPRESSING DEGREES OF CERTAINTY: PRESENT TIME
The expression “degree of certainty” refers to the percentage of
approximation that some this is true; it refers to how sure we are:
100%; 95%; or 50%. These expressions involve a sort of guessing.
Consider these examples:
He is coming any time today. (100%)
He must be coming any time today. (95%)
He may come any time today. (50%)
He might come any time today. (50%)
He could be coming any time today. (50%)

31. TASK 52
Directions: Given the following information,
make your guess by using must.
Tina is always sleepy. Why? She might have stayed late last
night.
Grandma is sneezing and coughing. Why? She may be sick
Ann has goose bumps and shivering. Why? She is scared.
My stomach is growling. Why? I must be hungry.
He has fever and bad cough. Why? He might have a flu.
Information Your guess

32. TASK 53
Directions: Respond by saying “I don’t
know” + may/might/could
1. Miss DL is not in her office. Where is she?
2. Where does Prince Harry spend his winter vacation?
3. I can’t find my pen. Do you know where it is?
4. How old do you think Madame Imelda Marcos is?
5. Who do you think found the so-called “Holy Grail”?
6. Who do you think is a grater tennis player, Sampras or Agassi?
7. Lorenz is not in class today. Where is he?
8. What does Queen Elizabeth eat for her breakfast.
9. What is distance of the moon from the earth?
10. How did God create the universe?
I don’t know. She could be in Biñan.

33. 10. DEGREES OF CERTAINTY: PAST TIME [must, may,
might, could + have + past participle] or [must, may, might,
could + have + been + noun or adjective
Situation: The Vice President did not come for an interview in
“Talk Back” with Tina Monson Palma at ANC studio. Why?
He left for Mindoro. (100%) He was sick.
He must have left for Mindoro. (95%) He must have been sick.
He may have left for Mindoro. (50%) He may have been sick.
He might have left for Mindoro. (50%) He might have been sick.
He could have left for Mindoro. (50%) He could have been sick.
Must not have been expresses logical conclusion.
Could not have been expresses impossibility.
May/might not have been expresses possibility.

34. 11. DEGREES OF
CERTAINTY: FUTURE TIME
The following are modals and the corresponding degree of certainty they express.
Modals: Degree of Certainty
• Will
• Should
• Ought to
• May
• Might
• Could
100 %
90%
90%
50%
50%
50%
Lin-ling will do well in the final exam.
She should do well in the final exam.
She ought to do well in the final exam.
She may do well in the final exam.
She might do well in the final exam.
She could do well in the final exam.

35. Examples: will, should, ought to
Our guest speaker will come on time, don’t worry.
Our guest speaker should come on time, don’t worry.
Our guest speaker ought to come on time, don’t worry.
Note: The PAST FORMS of ought to and should are formed by adding the infinitive to have + F5.
Past forms: Meaning
Ought to - ought to have The speaker is expecting something that did not materialise.
Should - should have

36. Lin-ling ought to have/ should have done well in the final exam.
(The speaker expected something that did not occur.)
Elma ought to have run well in the last SEA games.
The resource speaker should have delivered his message on
time.
The plane should have arrived as schedules.
We all should have done our best to finish the project.
The United Nations should have doubled its effort to help the
victims.
Examples

37. TASK 54
Directions: try to make
statements of certainty
about this picture:

38. TASK 55
Directions: Try some more to make statements of certainty.
Guess what happened to the boy in this picture.

39. Summary:
Modals are auxiliaries add to the verb
express special semantic component such
as ability, permission, advisability,
obligation, necessity, expectation, and
possibility. They don’t have - s suffix for the
third person, and no infinitive or participial
form.

40. End of report.
Thank you.
You’ve been a wonderful audience!