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Understanding Modals: Permission & Obligation

The document discusses the use of modals in expressing permission, obligation, and prohibition, highlighting examples and distinctions between different modals like 'can,' 'must,' and 'may.' It also addresses common mistakes in modal usage and provides guidance on making polite requests and offers. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of understanding modals for effective communication.

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ronce del mundo
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7 views16 pages

Understanding Modals: Permission & Obligation

The document discusses the use of modals in expressing permission, obligation, and prohibition, highlighting examples and distinctions between different modals like 'can,' 'must,' and 'may.' It also addresses common mistakes in modal usage and provides guidance on making polite requests and offers. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of understanding modals for effective communication.

Uploaded by

ronce del mundo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Guess

What?
MELC#1 : Expressing
Permission,
Obligation and Prohibition
by Rizza Macabato
Modals
MELC#1 : Expressing
Permission,
Obligation and Prohibition
by Rizza Macabato
Modals of Permission:

Can Could May


Expresses ability Indicates a more Used in more
or permission for polite or formal formal settings to
present or future request for ask for
situations. For permission, often permission,
example, "Can I used in situations suggesting a
open the where you're sense of respect
window?" uncertain about the or deference. For
response. For example, "May I
example, "Could I use the phone?"
borrow your pen?"
Modals of
Obligation:
1 Must 2 Have to
Strongest Expresses a
obligation, often necessary action,
related to rules, often related to
regulations, or external factors or
personal beliefs. requirements. For
For example, "You example, "I have to
must wear a go to work
helmet when tomorrow."
Should
3 riding a bike." 4 Ought to
Expresses a A formal
recommendatio alternative to
n or advice. For "should," often
example, "You used in written
should eat language or
healthy foods." formal speech.
Modals of Prohibition:

Can't Mustn't Shouldn't


Indicates Strongest Expresses a strong
impossibility or lack prohibition, often recommendation
of permission. For related to rules or against an action. For
example, "You can't regulations. For example, "You shouldn't
smoke here." example, "You eat too much junk
mustn't talk during food."
Using Modals in Requests and Offe
Requests Offers
Modals like "can," "could," Modals like "can," "could,"
"may," "would," and "will" "would," and "will" are used
are used to make polite to make offers. For
requests. For example, example, "Can I help you
"Can you please pass the with that?" or "Would you
salt?" or "Would you mind like some tea?"
closing the door?"
Modals in Formal
and Informal
Contexts
Formal Informal
May I? Can I?
Could you please?Can you?
It is necessary to...
You have to...
One should... You should...
Common Mistakes with Modals
Using "must" for obligation
"Must" is often misused in contexts where "have
to" is more appropriate. For example, "I must go to
the store" should be "I have to go to the store."

Using "will" for requests


While "will" can be used for requests, it's often
more forceful and less polite than other modals.
For example, "Will you please pass the salt?" can
sound demanding.

Using "can" for permission in the past


The past tense of "can" is "could," which is used to
express permission in the past. For example, "I
could use the computer yesterday" is correct.
Conclusion &
Key
Takeaways
Modals are powerful tools that add
depth and precision to our
communication. By understanding
their usage, we can express
ourselves more effectively and
avoid common mistakes.
Thank you
for Listening!!!

by Rizza Macabato

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