Modals Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are modal verbs used for?
To express ability, possibility, obligation, permission, and prohibition.
What does ‘can’ express?
Ability.
What is the past form of ‘can’?
‘Could’.
What does ‘could’ express in relation to ability?
Ability in the past.
Give an example of ‘can’ expressing learned ability.
After months of meditation, the witness can now speak about what he saw.
Give an example of ‘can’ expressing continuing skill.
Can you speak French?
Give an example of ‘can’ expressing natural characteristics.
Pigs can cover a mile in about seven minutes when running at top speed.
Provide an example of ‘could’ expressing possibility.
There could be a storm next week.
What does ‘may’ express?
Possibility and permission.
In what context do we use ‘may’?
When we are not sure about something in the present or future.
Give an example of ‘may’ asking for permission.
May I borrow the car tomorrow?
What is a formal way to say someone has permission using ‘may’?
Students may travel for free.
What does ‘might’ express in terms of possibility?
Weaker possibility and sometimes hypothetical.
How is ‘might’ used as a past tense?
As the past tense of requests with ‘may’.
Provide an example of ‘might’ as a polite request.
Might I call you by your first name?
What effect does adding ‘not’ after a modal have?
It changes the meaning of the sentence.
Fill in the blank: _______ is used to express inability.
‘Cannot’.
Fill in the blank: You may not _______.
come in.
How is ‘might’ different from ‘may’ in terms of formality?
‘Might’ is higher in terms of level of formality.
What is the primary use of ‘could’ in conditional situations?
To express a possibility that is conditional.
Give an example of ‘could’ in an unrealistic situation.
I am so angry I could throw him out of the window.
