MODALS MODULE – GRADE 9
INTRODUCTION
Modal verbs help us express permission, prohibition, and obligation. Knowing how
to use them correctly improves communication and helps us follow or give rules
clearly.
PERMISSION
Permission means allowing someone to do something. It is expressed using modals
like can, may, or could to show that an action is allowed.
CAN(permission)
Used to ask for or give permission in a casual or everyday way.
When to use:
● When speaking informally
● When talking to friends, classmates, or people your age
● When the situation is not very serious.
Example:
Can I use your pen?
Can I borrow your marker?
You can sit beside me if you want.
COULD(polite permission)
A more polite or respectful way to ask for permission.
When to use:
● When you want to sound polite and respectful
● When talking to adults, teachers, or strangers
● When making a soft, polite request
Example:
Could I borrow your notebook?
Could I ask you a question?
Could I leave the room for a moment?
MAY(formal permission)
The most formal and respectful modal for asking permission.
When to use:
● During formal situations.
● When speaking to people in authority (teachers, principals, supervisors)
● When following strict rules or official procedures
Example:
May I enter the room?
May I submit my work now, Ma’am?
May I speak with the principal?
PROHIBITION
Prohibition means that something is not allowed or is against the rules. It is
expressed using modals like can’t, may not, or must not to show that an action is
forbidden.
CAN’T(prohibition)
Shows that something is NOT allowed, often because of rules.
When to use:
● When stating informal but strong rules
● When telling someone that something is not permitted
Example:
You can't walk to this way.
You can’t enter this area without a school ID.
You can’t eat inside the computer room.
MAY NOT (formal prohibition)
A formal way to say something is not allowed.
When to use:
● In official rules, signs, school policies, or workplace guidelines
● When giving formal instructions
Example:
You may not use your phone inside the office.
You may not bring outside food into the library.
Students may not leave the campus during class hours.
MUST NOT (strong prohibition)
Shows a strict rule that must not be broken—stronger than can’t or may not.
When to use:
● When giving strong warnings
● When explaining serious or strict rules
● When the consequence of breaking the rule is serious
Example:
You must not cheat during exams.
You must not talk during the test.
You must not touch the laboratory equipment without supervision.
OBLIGATION (must, have to/has to)
These modals show duties or rules that must be followed.
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ACTIVITY 1: Read each sentence carefully and choose ONLY ONE modal that
correctly completes the sentence.
1. You ___ leave once you’ve finished.
2. ___ I come in?
3. We ___ not enter the concert without tickets.
4. ___ I open the window?
5. ___ you turn the fan on, please?
ANSWER KEY:
1. may
2. May
3. may
4. May
5. Could
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ACTIVITY 2: : Fill in the blank with the correct modal that matches the function
shown in the parentheses (permission or prohibition).
1. You ___ play music here. (permission)
2. You ___ eat in the conference room. (prohibition)
3. You ___ drive here without a license. (prohibition)
4. You ___ wear a hat in class. (permission)
5. Passengers ___ use their phones during the ride. (permission)
ANSWER KEY:
1. may
2. may not
3. may not
4. may
5. may
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ACTIVITY 3: Choose ONLY ONE correct modal (must, have to, or has to) to complete
each sentence.
1. She ___ work tomorrow.
2. I ___ finish my homework last night.
3. They ___ bring the money tomorrow.
4. You ___ wear your uniform at all times.
5. You ___ wait until 10 AM.
ANSWER KEY:
1. has to
2. had to
3. have to
4. must
5. have to
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ACTIVITY 4: Identify the Function
Write Permission, Prohibition, or Obligation.
1. You must submit your project today.
2. You may use my laptop.
3. You can’t enter the lab without goggles.
4. Could I leave early?
5. Students have to return books on time.
ANSWER KEY:
1. Obligation
2. Permission
3. Prohibition
4. Permission
5. Obligation