English 9 Q1

• Modal verbs


  • Used to express something that can probably certainly or possibly happen
  • Give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it
  • Have a great variety of communicative functions
• Skills in using modals which express prohibition obligation and permission

  1. Learn

  2. Discuss
• Prohibition


  Prevent forbid stop or disallow someone from doing something
• Modals used for prohibition

  • Can't or cannot
  • Mustn't or must not
• Can't


  • You can't go in that hotel wearing slippers
  • You can't drive in this country unless you are over 18
• Mustn't


  • You mustn't use your phone in class
  • You mustn't sleep late
• Obligation


  Duty or commitment
• Modals used for obligation


  • Have to
  • Must
• Have to


  • The obligation comes from someone else not the speaker
  • Referring to a rule or law
• Have to


  • I have to work on Saturday because your boss requires you
  • They have to wear their uniforms in school because that is the school policy
  • My doctor said that I have to stop smoking or I'll risk serious problems
• Don't have to


  • There is no obligation
  • You can do something if you want but it is not an obligation
• Don't have to


  • You don't have to pay your bills in advance
  • You don't have to wear a tie to go to that restaurant
  • You don't have to wait for me
• Must


  The obligation comes from the speaker
• Must


  • I must hand in my thesis by tomorrow
  • I really must call my parents
  • I must stop smoking it's costing me too much money
• Permission


  Allowing someone to do something
• Modals used for permission

  • Can
  • Could
• Can


  • Can I borrow a pen
  • Can I go now
• Could


  • Could I open the window
• Passengers must not play music or talk on this part of the train
• You can't rent a car without a credit card
• You have to show your ID before you can enter the place
• You can sit here the seat is free
• I must stand in all requirements before Friday