Overview
This lecture introduces the use of modal verbs in English to express permission, obligation, and prohibition, with clear examples and definitions.
Modal Verbs: Purpose and Overview
- Modal verbs show possibility, certainty, necessity, or ability in relation to the main verb.
- They help express rules, duties, permissions, requests, and prohibitions.
Modals of Prohibition
- Prohibition means to forbid or stop someone from doing something.
- "Can't"/"cannot" is used for things against the rules or policies.
- Example: You can’t go in that hotel wearing slippers.
- "Mustn't"/"must not" is used when the speaker sets the rule.
- Example: You mustn't use your phone in class.
Modals of Obligation
- Obligation means a duty or commitment.
- "Have to" indicates an obligation from someone else (rules, laws, policies).
- Example: I have to work on Saturday.
- "Don't have to" shows there is no obligation.
- Example: You don’t have to pay your bills in advance.
- "Must" expresses a personal obligation, coming from the speaker.
- Example: I must hand in my thesis by tomorrow.
Modals of Permission
- Permission means allowing someone to do something.
- "Can" is commonly used to ask for or give permission.
- Example: Can I borrow a pen?
- "Could" is possible but less common for permission.
- Example: Could I open the window?
Key Terms & Definitions
- Modal verbs — Auxiliary verbs like can, could, must, have to, used to express ability, obligation, permission, or prohibition.
- Prohibition — Forbidding or preventing an action.
- Obligation — A duty or required action.
- Permission — Allowing someone to do something.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete exercises: Identify if the underlined phrases in provided sentences express permission, obligation, or prohibition.
- Review examples and practice forming sentences using modal verbs.