"THE NATURE AND SOUL" OF MODALS
INTRODUCTION
Modals are ideal for, e. g. coping with the issue of polite behaviour, formal and informal language, not to mention the psycholongustic and cultural aspects of EL study.
"My" modals have their symobls /appearance/, character, "nature", message, adaptable to all Ls of all levels. Let them introduce themselves, some of them, of course!
CAN MAY COULD is the most polite; the same goes to
MIGHT
I always wear my I never tell lies.
neckerchief, mind you! I simply regularly
change my TIES.
MIGHT, they say, is for the uncertain, well-mannered, insecure, with a rose.... As a corollary to this: boldness is what I miss if I desire a single kiss! Therefore, I've made a vow always to wear my bow-tie.
Applying inductive method: starting from singular examples, the Ls are asked to extract the rule, which is opposed to a generally exploited method which suggests giving rules first and then find the most appropriate examples which are meant to support them best.
This project suggests piles of activities: some are for the teachers and some are for the Ls only!
The joy of creativity is what we'll all have in common - regardless the cultures we're coming from and the languages we speak.
The partners are most welcome to contribute with their brilliant ideas! Just looking forward to our mutual joy!
Thank you!
My little creatures greet you with their "silly rhymes":
We - the modals have a great function:
to fashion "normal verbs
is our language mission.
We adjust to every situation:
ir you comprehend us well, you'll always be in a good mood
because you'll never be rude!
Some of us are pleasant,
some are not:
but we all foster you manners
which means a lot!
Modal Verbs of Permission
Use the modal verbs of permission, 'can,' or 'could,' to indicate whether someone has permission to do something or not.
Use 'can' to say that someone IS allowed to do something and 'cannot' or, 'can't,' to say that they do NOT have permission (are not allowed) to do something.
Example:
Students can register for fall classes beginning next week.
Children under ten cannot use the pool without adult supervision.
We can also use 'could' to say that someone was allowed to do something in the past. We use 'could not' or, 'couldn't,' to say that they were NOT allowed to do it.
Example:
We could go to any shop in the mall we wanted to.
Both staff and students could use the ice rink.
We couldn't study in the library after 6 pm.
We use 'be allowed to' when talking about permission but not in the sense that you are asking for it or granting it. For instance, we would say "I was allowed backstage after my third attempt." Or, "you are not allowed to use your calculator on your math's exam."
We mostly use 'may' for more formal situations and 'may not' is used to say that someone is not allowed to do something.
Example:
"Mr. Smith, may I go to the restroom?"
"You may go as soon as you have finished your exam."
Retailers may not sell items below the manufacturer's price.
However, we use the modal verbs of permission 'can' when we are giving permission to others.
Example:
"You can borrow my book if you want, Diane."
"You can go leave work now, I've got it covered."
"Tom can go with you."
When refusing permission to someone, we use negative forms of the modals of permission; cannot = can't, or will not = won't, or shall not = shan't.
Example:
“Can I leave early?- “No, you can't!”
“Ill go out on Saturday.” - “You will not!”
You shan't get any money until the work is satisfactorily finished.
Modal Verbs of Permission = politeness, respect
In many languages, the 3r person is used even when talking to an individual as a sign of respect and formality. In the English, however, we don't have such a luxury and resort to voice inflection and modal verbs to show politeness or respect to someone unknown to us or someone older than ourselves.
'Can' is less formal and more direct than 'could.' When asking in a simple or direct way we use 'can.'
Can I ask a question?
Can we have something to drink? We are thirsty.
When being polite, or wanting to show respect, 'could' is a better choice than can as it is a more polite form than 'can.'
Could I ask you a question, please?
Could I try this coat on?
'May' and 'Might' can also be used when asking permission but are much more formal.
May I use your restroom, please?
Might I ask what your name is?
'Might' is rarely used in this way as it's considered old fashioned usage, however, educated and polite people still use modals to indicate politeness and show respect and I, for one, am in favor of this kind of usage.
Some Definitions of English Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are difficult to define in any language because of the wide range of pragmatic uses of modal verbs by native speakers. Some of the more common definitions (in no particular order) of the modal verbs in English are:
- can – ability, permission, possibility, request
- could – ability, permission, possibility, request, suggestion
- may – permission, probability, request
- might – possibility, probability, suggestion
- must – deduction, necessity, obligation, prohibition
- shall – decision, future, offer, question, suggestion
- should – advice, necessity, prediction, recommendation
- will – decision, future, intention, offer, prediction, promise, suggestion
- would – conditional, habit, invitation, permission, preference, request, question, suggestion
THE ABOVE PRE-ACTIVITIES ARE NO NEWS! We can complete them afterwards, right?!
The focus lies on what's coming next: creative work on modal auxiliaries!
STAGE 4: CREATIVE ACTIVITIES BASED ON MODALS STUDY
THE ENTIRE PROJECT PUTS EMPAHIS ON THIS STAGE! At this stage the Ls, depending on their level and age, are asked to: - visualize modals, - say what modal suits them best and why, - write all forms of materials based on modals, - collocate adjectives related to the "nature" of specific modal/s...etc. - draw their ideas regarding the "looks" and gender of each of them..., - and much more...
If it points his/her finger at you... then it must be MUST?!
WHAT IS "MUST" LIKE?
- offensive
- determined
- difficult
- strict
-.proud
- impatient
- settled
- self-confident... and....
Melita's view:
How do we imagine /some/ modal verbs? Since they'be been created by people, they acquired human values and messages and ... developed their own "personalities"?!
An odd question? I don't think so.
For instance, to me, "can" is NO MAN, for one thing. It's ... her. She might "look" ... like this.
Discussion:
Why is "can" not a man? What is YOUR view? Explain, please!
Can it be culture-related? In what sense?
CREATIVE WRITING
POEMS RELATED TO THE "NATURE" OF SOME MODAL VERBS
CAN
If you manage to do something,
means that you can,
e. g. count to ten.
Instead of CAN,
as knows little Ben,
"to be able to"
means that you have the
possibility and ability
to cope with any unfamilaritiy.
No problem; it's a piece of cake!
It turns right anything you make.
"I can see."
"I can hear"
both mean you're a rich man,
and it is absolutely fantastic that you can,
but you should try "to can" /poetical licence/
some more...
always more;
and then see into the score.
I bet it is a success
causing a real mass of your proudness,
loving-kindness and heartiness.
Therefore, keep on trying ever more,
no matter who it is for!
MUST
Must has the greatest authority:
it points its finger to the weak, tender and meek!
Thus, it is advisable to be applied -
just once a week!
You tremble, grumble, shiver -
out of a sense of duty:
how will you meet the needs of such authority?!
So, if "must" is uttered,
you will not be flattered!
"Must" adore to make a fus:
don't you ever ignore it thus!
The only feasible measure -
is to treat commands at leisure!
Therefore, CAN must have the nature and soul which makes her
- spontaneous
- informal
- optimistic
- creative
- friendly
- polite
because CAN can:
- know how to do something
- think positively
- ask for...
POSSIBLE "IMAGES AND LOOKS" OF SOME MODAL VERBS
COLLOCATIONS WITH "WOULD"
YES
willing
warm-hearted
welcome
well behaved
whole-hearted
winning
wise
wobbly
wordy
workable
worth
NO
wacky
wild
work-shy
wrong
worthless...
Participants
Can words have a look, posture, nature and integrity?
What expressions can modals provide? Why? In what situations?
Discuss this project
Tags
Resources -JNV Bhiwani
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Lesson PlanClass 9th.doc 39.0 kB |
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Use of Modals.ppt 746.5 kB |
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Modals.ppt 253.5 kB |
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Modals (use of can).ppt 438.5 kB |
