Modal Verbs

Exercise 62. Read and say that you (your friend) can (may, must) do it, too

Model: - Jim can carry this heavy box, he is strong.

- I can carry this box, too.

1. Susan can cook very nicely.

2. Jack can run for two hours without a rest.

3. Ann can give you good advice.

4. Jane can speak two foreign languages.

5. Helen must stay at home today/

6. You must learn all the new words from the text/

7. You must put on your warm clothes. It’s cold outside.

8. Bob may borrow the book from the library.

9. You may ring me up if you need my help.

10. You may speak aloud here, I’m awake.

Exercise 63. Ask if somebody else can (may, must) do it.

Model: - I cannot help you with mathematics,

- Can John help me?

- Yes, he can. (No, he cannot)

1. The children cannot swim in the sea. It is cold.

2. I cannot walk with you to the station.

3. Charles cannot sing this song. He has a sore throat.

4. They cannot buy a TV set now. They are short of money.

5. I cannot go to the concert with you tonight.

6. I cannot translate this text without a dictionary.

7. My father cannot repair a television set. He has a sore finger.

8. You must not be present at the trial. It will be held with closed door.

9. You must not keep silent about this matter.

10. You must not learn the poem by heart. It is too difficult for you.

Exercise.64. Express your surprise as in the model.

Model: - You can see his pictures at the exhibition of modern painting.

- Can we see his pictures at the exhibition of modern painting?

- Yes, you can. (No, you cannot)

1. John can play the guitar very well.

2. Jane can solve this problem very easily.

3. My elder brother can repair your radio set.

4. You can buy this book at our bookshop.

5. You may park the car in this place.

6. David may take the dictionary from the school library.

7. You may invite your friend if you like.

8. You may get there by the Metro.

9. You must learn this poem by heart.

10. Jim must prepare his report by Sunday.

Exercise 65. Givepermission as in the model.

Model: - The boy wants to play in your room.

- He may play there.

1. Little Mary wants to invite her friends today.

2. The children want to go to the Circus.

3. Alice wants to use your dictionary.

4. Helen wants to put on your hat.

5. The children want to take some sweets.

6. Your sister wants to buy this dress.

7. Your brother wants to switch off the light.

8. Mother wants to take the cups away.

9. Jack wants to play with his dog now.

10. John wants to bring his friends to your party.

Exercise 66. Read and say that you can do it now but you couldn’t do it some time ago. Use the suggested words.

Model: - Can you meet him today? (last night)

- Yes, I can. I can meet him today but I couldn’t meet him last night.

1. Can Jim skate? (last winter)

2. Can you come to place tonight? (yesterday morning)

3. Can John repair a radio? (last year)

4. Can Father work in the garden this afternoon? (on Friday)

5. Can you pay for the radio set this week? (last week)

6. Can you go with me to the cinema? (in the morning)

7. Can Roger play the guitar? (a few years ago)

8. Can Mr. Johnson help us today? (yesterday)

9. Can we discuss this problem now? (yesterday)

10. Can you understand his behavior now? (when I was young)

Exercise 67. Say that you (your friend) can’t do it now but will be able to do it in future. Use the suggested words.

Примітка: Можливість виконання дії в майбутньому передається сполученням shall (will) be able to.

Model: - Can you play chess now? (this afternoon)

- I can’t play chess now but I shall/be able to play chess this afternoon.

1. Can Mary do the room with a vacuum-cleaner now? (in the evening)

2. Can Nick finish this work in a day or two? (in a week)

3. Can you tell me this secret now? (tomorrow)

4. Can you return the book to the library today? (in the day after tomorrow)

5. Can Nelly cook very well? (when she has practice)

6. Can David drive a car? (after a few more lessons)

7. Can we go swimming now? (when it gets warmer)

8. Can Jane swim very well?(if she trains regularly)

9. Can Jane play the violin now? (when her arm is better)

10. Can you understand this rule now? (when the teacher explains it)

Exercise 68. Express your disagreement as in the model. Give your reason for it.

Model: - They will have to come again.

- They won’t have to come again. They’ve got all the information they needed.

1. Jack will have to buy a new pen.

2. Nelly will have to put on her raincoat.

3. Ann will have to make some dresses for summer.

4. I shall have to do the whole exercise again.

5. The children will have to stay at home in the evening.

6. Alice will have to do the shopping while mother is away.

7. Jane will have to stay after classes every day to catch up with the group.

8. Bob will have to look after himself and his younger brother.

9. You will have to borrow some money if you want to buy a new coat.

10. Jane will have to stay in bed and wait for the doctor.

Exercise 69. Speak on the following situations:

1. Your little sister is five. Say what she can do and what she still can’t.

2. Say what your duties at home are.

3. Ask the doctor what you must do to keep up your health.

4. Discuss the problem how we can give our children an all-round education.

5. Reprimand your little sister for being a lazy and disobedient pupil.

6. Say what you must do to nurse your sick grandmother.

7. Say what things must be done to stage a play on the school stage.

8. Say what are duties of a pupil on duty.