Page 74 - English Grammar - 8

They cannot be used in the past or future tenses. For example:

We will can have dinner at Tiffany’s. (incorrect)
O
We will have dinner at Tiffany’s. (correct)

Practice Time 1

A. Tick () the correct modal in each sentence.
1. If they had taken the expressway, they could /should have arrived hours ago.

2. She is smart and can /will speak several languages.
3. For New Year’s Eve, they will /can dance till morning.

4. As a child, though he looked bulky, he should /would swim like a fish.

5. Shall /Can I give you my number in case you need to call?

B. Fill in the blanks using the modals given in the box.

must might should ought to have to

1. It’s quite late. They _______________ have gone to sleep.
2. I _______________ go now before the traffic gets too bad.
3. Shall we try calling? They _______________ be home by now.
4. You _______________ talk louder if you want to be heard.

Let’s Learn the Usage of Modals

Modal verbs are used to express different functions such as:
Possibility Ability Suggestion Offer Wish
O O O O O
Permission Obligation Advice Promise Dare
O O O O O
Possibility—Could, Might, May, Can

The modals could, might, may, and can are used:
to show that something is possible in the future, but not certain. For example:

If I don’t hurry, I could be late.
O
She might come later.
O
He may come by autorikshaw.
O
to show that something was possible now or at some time in the past. For example:
Modals to make general statements explaining about what is possible. For example:
It might have rained today.

O
They may have arrived minutes ago.
O

It can be very hot in summer.

O
You can easily win the game.
O

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