- LPU MCA Semester 1
- PEL546
- Unit 3
PEL546 · Unit 3: Modals review
Modal verbs of ability and permission
9 practice questions · in the MTE and ETE syllabus
Key points
- Modals take the base verb and no -s
- Could is general past ability, was able to is one achievement
- May is the most formal for permission
- Never combine two modals
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) take the base form of the verb, never add -s, and cannot be combined with each other.
Ability: can for present ability (She can speak three languages), could for general ability in the past (When I was young, I could run fast), and be able to for other tenses and for one specific past success (We were able to reach on time; I will be able to drive next year, since will can is wrong).
Permission: can (informal), could and may (more formal): May I use your phone? Refusing: You may not enter without a pass. Can't also expresses prohibition: You can't smoke here.
May also expresses possibility, so check the context: Visitors may park here (permission) versus It may rain (possibility).
Exam trap: can is present tense, so it cannot be used with a past time such as when I was ten.
Try two questions
Which sentence correctly expresses ability in the future?
- I can will drive next year.
- I will can drive next year.
- I will be able to drive next year.
- I would can drive next year.
Show the answer
C. Modals cannot be combined, so will be able to is used for future ability.
Why not A: Two modals cannot be used together.
Why not B: Two modals cannot be used together.
Why not D: Two modals cannot be used together.
Choose the correct form: Although the road was blocked, we ___ reach on time.
- were able to
- could
- can
- might
Show the answer
A. Was or were able to describes success on one specific occasion in the past.
Why not B: Could is not normally used for one specific past achievement.
Why not C: Can is present tense.
Why not D: Might expresses possibility, not a past achievement.