1. Modal verbs.

Modal verbs
Modal verbs are words like can, could and might. They go with a main verb and are used to express meanings such as ability, permission, possibility and obligation. You can read more about modal verbs here.

 

Look at this text about repetitive strain injury (RSI). Can you find the modal verbs?

2. Correct or incorrect?

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

3. True or false?

Are the following statements about modal verbs true or false?
Tip: Look at the text on RSI again.

For more information about modal verbs see the Grammar Reference.

4. Correct or incorrect?

Spot the errors. Which sentences are grammatically incorrect?

5. Sentence correction.

Now correct the incorrect sentences from exercise 4. Remember to include the correct punctuation.

6. Different functions.

Match the functions in the box below with the sentences by dragging the functions onto the right line.

7. Talking about possibility: Might and could.

Might and could are both used to say that something is possible. Look at these sentences again:
This might not be good for her. = It is possible that this isn't good for her.
You could be experiencing the first symptoms. = It is possible that you are experiencing the first symptoms.

With positive sentences we can use either might or could. For example:

You could be experiencing the first symptoms.

or:

You might be experiencing the first symptoms.

But with negative sentences we need to use might. For example:

This might not be good for her.

NOT:

This couldn't be good for her.

Look at the sentences below. Drag could/might or might to complete them.

8. Talking about possibility: Can.

Can is also used to talk about possibility. Compare these two sentences:
1. Using the mouse can cause problems.
2. Using the mouse causes problems.

In sentence 2, the present simple (causes) tells us that the sentence is always true.

In sentence 1, we use the modal verb (can) with the infinitive cause to explain that the action is sometimes true.

Using the mouse can cause problems. = Using the mouse sometimes causes problems.

 

Present simple vs. can.

Choose the correct answer for each of the sentences. The first one has been done for you.

For more information about possibility see the Grammar Reference.

9. Sentence writing.

Rewrite the sentences using might, could, can and the present simple so that the second sentence has the same meaning as the first. Remember to include the correct punctuation.

For example:
  It's possible that she isn't there.
  She

10. Reflexive pronouns.

We use reflexive pronouns to talk about actions where the subject and object are the same person.
For example:
I cut myself when I was shaving.  NOT: I cut me …
Janet hurt herself when she was running in the park. NOT: Janet hurt her …

Use the reflexive pronouns to complete the sentences.

11. Practice: Reflexive pronouns.

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

12. Practice: Reflexive pronouns.

Play the sentence casino game. Are the sentences correct or incorrect? How many points can you win?

  • You start with 20 points.
  • Decide how many points you want to bet.
  • When you are correct, you win double the points.
  • When you are incorrect, you lose the points.

How many points can you win?