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What is a Modal Verb?Becoming a Modal Verb Expert:

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CAN & CAN'T

CAN & CAN'T

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Learning target:I can express ability in the present, possibility, permission and make requests.Structure:Subject + CAN /CAN'T + base form verb + complement.Exercises:Can or can't

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Ability

Possibilty

The florist can deliver the bouquet early.

Permission

Can I take day off?

Requests

Can you tell me the way to the church?

COULD & COULDN'T

COULD & COULDN'T

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Learning target:I can express ability in the past, possibility and make politely requests.Structure:Subject + COULD /COULDN'T + base form verb + complement.Exercises:Can /can't / could / couldn't

Past ability

I could run ten miles in my twenties.

Possibility

He could be one who stole the money.

Polite request

Could I borrow your pen?

SHOULD & SHOULDN'T

SHOULD & SHOULDN'T

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Learning target:I can give advice.Structure:Subject + SHOULD /SHOULDN'T + base form verb + complement.

Giving advice

You should take some medicine when you feel sick.

You shouldn't eat candy when you have a toothache.

MUST & MUSTN'T

MUST & MUSTN'T

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Learning target:I can express necessity, strong recommendation, certainty and prohibiton.Structure:Subject + MUST /MUSTN'T + base form verb + complement.

Necessity

You must fill in this form.

Strong recommendation

You must take some time off.

Certainty

That must be Tom.

Prohibiton

You mustn't smoke here.