English FAL Matric Revision: Modals

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Revision Notes for CAPS Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy: Sentence Structures and Conventions – Modals

Introduction

Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs that give extra information about the function of the main verb. They do not change form according to the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb. Understanding modals is crucial for effectively expressing probability, ability, permission, and obligation in English.

Key Points

  1. Definition of Modals:
  2. Modals are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb to express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations.

  3. Examples include: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.

  4. Rules About Modals:

  5. Modals do not take “-s” in the third person singular.
    • Example: He can (not cans) speak English.
  6. Modals are followed by the base form of the verb.
    • Example: They should study (not should to study) hard.
  7. Negatives are formed by adding “not” after the modal.
    • Example: She should not (shouldn’t) operate the computer.

  8. Modals typically do not have past or future forms directly.

    • Incorrect: He will can operate the computer tomorrow.
    • Correct: He will be able to operate the computer tomorrow.

  9. Functions of Modals:

  10. Expressing ability:
    • I can swim.
    • He cannot swim.
  11. Expressing permission:
    • May I leave early?
  12. Making requests:
    • Could you help me?
  13. Offering suggestions:
    • You should try this dish.
  14. Indicating obligation:
    • You must wear a seatbelt.
  15. Showing probability:
    • She might come to the party.
  16. Expressing near certainty:
    • They must have forgotten the keys.

Real-World Applications

  1. Expressing Ability/Inability:
  2. Can you lift this box?
    • “Can” expresses ability.

  3. She cannot attend the meeting.

    • “Cannot” expresses inability.

  4. Making Requests and Giving Permission:

  5. May I borrow your pen?
    • “May” is used to ask for permission.

  6. Could you please open the window?

    • “Could” is used to make a polite request.

  7. Giving Advice:

  8. You should see a doctor.

    • “Should” is used to give advice.

  9. Expressing Obligation:

  10. You must complete your homework.

    • “Must” indicates a strong obligation.

  11. Discussing Possibility:

  12. It might rain today.
    • “Might” indicates a possibility.

Common Misconceptions and Errors

  1. Using Modals in Incorrect Tenses:
  2. Incorrect: She will can go to the party.

  3. Correct: She will be able to go to the party.

  4. Adding “-s” to Modals in Third Person Singular:

  5. Incorrect: He cans swim.

  6. Correct: He can swim.

  7. Incorrect Negatives:

  8. Incorrect: He doesn’t can swim.
  9. Correct: He cannot (or can’t) swim.

Practice and Review

  1. Practice Questions:

  2. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals:

    1. You should (go) to bed early.
    2. They can (speak) three languages.
    3. She might (come) to the party.
    4. He must (finish) his homework before playing.
    5. May I (leave) early?

  3. Solutions:

  4. You should go to bed early.
  5. They can speak three languages.
  6. She might come to the party.
  7. He must finish his homework before playing.
  8. May I leave early?

Connections and Extensions

  1. Interdisciplinary Links:
  2. Using modals in scientific hypotheses to express possibilities (e.g., “The solution might change the outcome.”)

  3. Legal terms often use modals to express obligation and permissions (e.g., “You must adhere to the laws.”)

  4. Exploring Further:

  5. Investigate how modals change in reported speech.

Summary and Quick Review

  • Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express ability, permission, possibility, or obligation.
  • Key rules: They do not take “-s” in the third person, are followed by the base form of the verb, and form negatives with “not”.
  • Real-world applications: Expressing requests, giving advice, indicating obligations, and discussing possibilities.

Additional Resources

  • Online Articles: Grammar websites such as Grammarly and Purdue OWL for further reading.
  • Videos: Educational YouTube channels like English with Emma and Learn English with Rebecca.
  • Educational Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy and BBC Learning English.

These revision notes should help solidify your understanding of modals and improve your ability to use them correctly in various contexts.