1.1. Paco might visit the north
Reflexión
Let's study the examples of modal verbs we have seen in the previous section:
1. It consists of 10 provinces and three territories as you can see in the map.
2. There are two official languages in this country, English and French, so Paco can communicate with Canadian people without any problem.
By robynejay, C. Commons 3. For example, all laws must be enacted in English and French
4. However, this does not mean people in the country can speak both languages.
5. Then he might go up to the north and visit the province of Nunavut.
6. Paco could meet some Inuit people there.
7. This makes him think he should buy some warmer clothes.
8. It must be freezing in the Arctic!
Solved exercise
As we have just seen, a modal verb can express different meanings and different modal verbs can convey the same meaning:
MUST
All laws must be enacted in English and French. (obligation)
It must be freezing in the Arctic! (deduction)
POSSIBILITY
Paco might visit the province of Nunavut.
Paco could meet some Inuit people there.
What do these sentences express?
1. You mustn't smoke in this room.
2. I may go out with him.
3. May I open the door?
4. You ought to study more.
Self-Assessment activity
Which meaning do the following sentences express?
1. They may finish tomorrow.
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| By meironke, C. Commons |
a) ability
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b) deduction
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c) possibility
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a) ability
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b) deduction
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c) possibility
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a) ability
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b) deduction
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c) possibility
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a) obligation
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b) deduction
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c) advice
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Further knowledge
You can practice some exercises on modal verbs by clicking on the links below:
| Exercise 1 |
Exercise 2 |
Curiosity
Do you know the Queen of Canada? Yes, you do!
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public domain
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It is, in fact, Queen Elisabeth II, the British queen. She is the monarch of many other countries of the Commonwealth (a group of countries which were formerly part of the British Empire). She is the embodiment of the country and officially regarded as the head of state. She represents the country and performs several official duties. However, because she lives in the United Kingdom, many duties are carried out by her representative in Canada, the Governor General.