Question

Look at the following pair of sentences. Underline the modals and discuss why each one is used in that sentence.

e.g.
I must not take those pills. (I’m not allowed.)
I need not take those pills. (It is not compulsory but I may if I wish.)

1. (a) I can’t go to the meeting because I’m not a member.
(b) I needn’t go to the meeting if I don’t wish to.

2. (a) I can swim a length of the pool.
(b) I can swim in the pool on Saturdays.

3. (a) You ought to get a nice present for her.
(b) You have to get a nice present for her.

4. (a) Can I go to the toilet?
(b) May I be excused?

5. (a) I may come tomorrow if I have the time.
(b) I might come tomorrow but it’s going to be difficult.

Answer 1

1. (a) Can’t—I’m not allowed to go.
(b) Needn’t—It is not compulsory but I may go if I wish.

2. (a) Can—I am physically able to swim a length of the pool.
(b) Can—The authorities permit me to swim on Saturdays.

3. (a) Ought—You have a moral obligation to get her a nice present.
(b) Have to—You are being ordered to get her a nice present.

4. (a) Can—This is a less formal/polite way of asking permission to go to the toilet.
(b) May—This is a more formal/polite way of asking permission to leave.

5. (a) May—Implies that it is slightly more likely than in sentence (b).
(b) Might—Implies that it is slightly less likely than in sentence (a).