NF-4 Narrow path
Exercise NF-4c1: creating sentences with modals
Now, create 5 sentences using modal verbs on your whiteboard.
You may choose any of the modals, but not the same twice.
For instance:
Show what someone can do - Can & could ➜ I can play the guitar.
Say something is needed or required - Must ➜ You must wear a seatbelt in the car.
List of modals:
Show what someone can do - Can & could
Give advice without sounding harsh - Should, ought to & could
Ask or give permission - May, can & must not
Say something might or will happen - Might, may & must
Say something is needed or required - Must and have to
Make polite requests or offers - Would, could & may
Talk about “what if” situations - Would, could & might
Exercise NF-4c2: match modals with situations
Below is a list of modal verbs and a list of situations
Match each modal verb with the situation that it’s most commonly used to express
Can
Could
May
Must
Might
Should
Have to
Ought to
Would
A. Asking for permission
B. Expressing ability
C. Making a suggestion or giving advice
D. Indicating necessity or obligation
E. Offering or making a polite request
F. Showing possibility or uncertainty
G. Giving a strong recommendation or advice
H. Expressing a hypothetical situation or polite request
I. Showing something is required by rule or law
Answer key
Can – B. Expressing ability
Could – H. Expressing a hypothetical situation or polite request
May – A. Asking for permission
Must – D. Indicating necessity or obligation
Might – F. Showing possibility or uncertainty
Should – C. Making a suggestion or giving advice
Have to – I. Showing something is required by rule or law
Ought to – G. Giving a strong recommendation or advice
Would – E. Offering or making a polite request
Exercise NF-4c3: Modal verb role-play (this is your exit ticket!)
In groups of 2-4, create a conversation and do your best to keep it going by using modal verbs
For example - planning a trip:
Person 1: Ok class! Where should we go for our school trip?
Person 2: To Stockholm! But what might we need to bring with us?
Person 3: We might need to bring an umbrella, actually. It might rain later. Should we plan activities in advance or not?
Person 4: Hmm.. Might it be a good idea to have a backup plan?
Make sure that you use modal verbs in the ask questions to keep the conversation going. Your part of the conversation is your exit ticket.
Scenario: watching a movie
A group of friends are deciding what movie to watch and give suggestions based on preferences.
Example dialogue:
We could watch that new comedy, or we might go for an action film if you’re up for it.
I would prefer something lighter, so maybe we should stick with the comedy.
Scenario: deciding where to eat
A group of students are deciding where to go instead of eating in the school cafeteria.
Example dialogue:
I cannot eat this! I want to go grab something to eat elsewhere!
I may be up for pizza.. what do you feel like?
He loves burgers. We should get that, shouldn't we?
Scenario: hearing a rumour
A group of students are discussing a rumour and if they can believe if it is true or not.
Example dialogue:
Hey! Hey! Did you HEAR the news?
Are you kidding me? You must show me!
Ugh! Must you two always go around gossiping?