OT Fill in the gaps with an appropriate modal
verb. Then, say what they express in each
sentence.
1 A: ... May/Can/Could... I
borrow your pen, please?
The speaker is asking for permission.
B: No, you
I'm using it.
2 A: I'm bored. What shall we do?
B: We
go for a walk.
A: No, we
because it's raining.
B: Let's watch a video, then.
3 A: My parents told me
go to the
party tonight
B: Never mind, 1 go either. We
stay at home together, though.
4 A: Sir,
I speak to you for a moment,
please?
B: Certainly, but later today; I'm busy now.
5 A: Excuse me?
B: Yes?
A: you tell me where the post office is, please?
B: Certainly. It's on the main road, next to the school.
6 A: Is anyone sitting on that chair?
B: No, you
take it if you want to.
The speaker is asking for permission.
B: No, you can't. I'm using it.
2 A: I'm bored. What should we do?
B: We could go for a walk.
A: No, we can't because it's raining.
B: Let's watch a video, then.
3 A: My parents told me to go to the party tonight.
B: Never mind, I can't go either. We can stay at home together, though.
4 A: Sir, can I speak to you for a moment, please?
B: Certainly, but later today; I'm busy now.
5 A: Excuse me?
B: Yes?
A: Can you tell me where the post office is, please?
B: Certainly. It's on the main road, next to the school.
6 A: Is anyone sitting on that chair?
B: No, you can take it if you want to.
Explanation:
1. The modal verb "may" is used to ask for permission.
2. The modal verb "shall" is used to make suggestions.
3. The modal verb "can" is used to express ability or permission.
4. The modal verb "can" is used to ask for permission.
5. The modal verb "can" is used to ask for information.
6. The modal verb "can" is used to express ability or permission.