Modal Verbs

We use modal verbs to show if we believe something is certain, probable or possible (or not). We use modals to ask permission, make request and offers etc.

Modal verbs fall into the category of auxiliary verbs. It means that they are used together with a main verb to give grammatical information and additional meaning to a sentence.

The modal verb can has only two forms: can (present) and could (past). We use the modal verb can and the base form of the verb to form sentences. Questions are formed by inverting the subject and can. Negatives are formed with not. Contracted forms are used (can't/couldn't).

We can use the modal:

1. Can

• to talk about general abilities or skill in the present.

I can cook and bake

• to make general statements about what is possible/impossible (not allowed)

It can be very hot in summer

You can't smoke here

• to ask permission (informal)

Can I borrow your pencil, please?

• to request something (informal)

Can you help me, please?

• to make offers

Can I carry these bags for you?

2. Could

• to talk about general abilities or skill in the past.

I could paint beautifully as a kid

• to make general statements about what was possible/impossible (not allowed)

It could be very hot in summer

He couldn't do it! He is such a sweet guy

• to ask permission (formal)

Could I use your phone, please?

• to request something (formal)

Could you show me the way, please?

• to make suggestion

We could go to the bar if you want

Guided Practice#

• My mother .................... sing and play the piano at the same time.
• When we were younger we .................... make friends in 1 second.

• You .................... litter in the streets.
• I .................... call him due to the poor cell phone reception.

• .................... I go out side to play with friends?

• .................... you spell your name, please?

• .................... I help you with anything?
• We .................... go to the park if the weather is nice.

Short Story using Modal Verbs Can and Could#

-Jamie, could you help me, please?

-Yeah, of course!

-Could you be the one to cook dinner today?

-Well, I can cook, but I'm not the best at it. Are you sure you want my help?

-Yes, I am sure that you can do it. You can simply follow the recipe, I'll leave the cooking book on the table.

-That I can do! You can count on me.

Independent Practice#

Fill in the gaps with can/can't or could/couldn't.

1. Liz loves her brother to death, but she .................... understand why he behaves like that sometimes.

2. My grandmother travelled a lot. She .................... speak 4 languages.

3. I .................... eat 4 brownies in 1 minute.

4. I looked everywhere for the book. but I .................... find it.

React to the situations. Form sentences using can or could.

1. Your friend is struggling with his project. Offer your help.

2. You are having a family dinner. Ask your aunt's husband William to pass the salt.

3. You are 8 y.o. and you want to go to your friend's place. Ask your mom's permission.

Answer the questions.

1. Can you play any musical instrument?

2. Could you become a superhero?

3. Can you learn 20 new English words a day?