ESL Guide to Modal Verbs for Requesting & Permissions

What is a modal verb?

A modal verb is an auxiliary (helping) verb that expresses a particular quality of a verb.  Modal verbs are used with the infinitive (base form) of the main verb to modify its meaning.  Several modal verbs are used to make requests.

MODALS INCLUDE WORDS LIKE:

Can, Could, May, Might, Must Shall, Should, Will, Would and Have To.

What is a request?

A request is the act of asking for something, politely, formally or in a different manner. Several modals can be used to make requests.  Some requests are more formal than others.  The word please makes any request a polite request.

What are examples of requests with Can and Will?

  • Question: modal + subject + base verb
Requests- With Modal Can

  1. Can I have some of the vegetables?
  2. Can you bring me a soda?
  3.  Can we join you for some cake?
  4.  Can you check my homework?
  5.  Can Tim borrow your shovel?

REQUESTS WITH CAN:

USED WITH ALL SUBJECTS

Requests- With Modal Will

  1. Will you take Harry these vegetables?
  2. Will you bring me a soda?
  3. Will you join us for some cake?
  4. Will you check my homework?
  5. Will you come here for a minute.

REQUESTS WITH WILL:

MOSTLY 2ND PERSON REQUESTS

What is an offer?

Offers are questions that put something forward for acceptance or rejection.  Offers express a readiness to do or to give something.  The word please makes any offer a polite offer.

What are examples of offers with Can, May and Would?

  • Question: modal + subject + base verb
Offer- With Modal Can

  1. Can I help you?
  2. Can  I get you something to drink?
  3. Can we take your plates?
  4. Can I show you the way?
  5. Can I offer you some coffee?

OFFERS WITH CAN:

MOSTLY 1ST PERSON SUBJECTS

Polite Offer- With Modal May

  1. May I help you?
  2. May I get you something to drink?
  3. May we take your plates?
  4. May I show you the way?
  5. May I offer you some coffee?

POLITE OFFERS WITH MAY:

MOSTLY 1ST PERSON SUBJECTS

Offer- With Modal Would

  1. Would you like some help?
  2. Would you like a soda?
  3. Would you like me to take your plate?
  4. Would you like directions?
  5. Would you like some coffee?

OFFERS WITH WOULD:

MOSTLY 2ND PERSON SUBJECTS

What is permission?

Permission  is approval or allowance to do something .  Permission can be requested.  Permission can be given.

What are examples of requests for permission with Can, Could, and May?

  • Question: modal + subject + base verb

Permission Request –
With Modal Can

  1. Can  I get  my luggage?
  2. Canhave dessert now?
  3. Can we go over to Mary’s house?
  4. Can I borrow your ladder?
  5. Can we use the computers.

Permission Request – Polite
With Modal Could

  1. Could get my luggage?
  2. Couldhave dessert now?
  3. Could we go over to Mary’s house?
  4. Could I borrow your ladder?
  5. Could we use the computers?

Permission Request – Polite
With Modal May

  1. May get my luggage?
  2. May I have dessert now?
  3. May we go over to Mary’s house?
  4. May I borrow your ladder?
  5. May we use the computers?

Basic ESL Workbooks

Workbook 1
Lessons 1-15 Buy
Workbook 2
Lessons 16-30 Buy
Workbook 3
Lessons 31-45 Buy

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