1medio LA Language and Literature Unit 1: Language and Mass Communication GRAMMAR PARCTICE 1 MODAL VERBS TO REFER TO PRESENT

AND TO FUTURE ACTIONS

FUNCTION

MODAL VERB

EXAMPLE

Express Obligation HAVE TO / MUST You must be here on time. . Express Lack of obligation

DONT HAVE TO

They dont have to come today.

. Express recommendation/ SHOULD/SHOULDNT You should talk it over with him. advice

HAD BETTER OUGHT TO/ OUGHT NOT TO

Youd better ask your boss. You ought to talk to him.

.. Express possibility/uncertainty COULD This could be their house.

MAY/ MIGHT We may go camping next week.

Express criticism/complaint

CAN BE

Noise can be really annoying.

Express prohibition

CANT/ MUSNT

You musnt park here.

.. Express lack of necessity

NEEDNT

You neednt hurry! Ill wait for you.

.. Express a prediction

WILL/WONT

Phones will probably get even smaller.

PRACTICE WITH MODAL VERBS I. Underline the correct modal verb in each sentence.

1. I dont think you COULD/ SHOULD tell anyone. This is private. 2. I COULNT/ NEEDNT/ HAVE TO possibly leave the restaurant without paying. 3. There are times when the traffic here CAN/ COULD/ SHOULD be really heavy. 4. We are enjoying our holidays, though the weather MUST/ WILL/ COULD be better. 5. You SHOULD/ COULDNT/ SHOULDNT really be sitting here. These seats are already taken. 6. You COULD /MAY/ WONT be older than me but that doesnt mean you are cleverer. II. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, by using an appropriate modal verb.

1. If I were you I would take up jogging. (Advice)Youjogging.

2. Its possible that this kind of snake is poisonous. (Possibility) I think this . .poisonous. 3. Its not a good idea to ring him now. Its too late. (Advice) I think you 4. You dont have to come if you dont want to. (Lack of necessity) You want to. 5. I believe our football team may win the next championship. (Prediction) .........the next championship.