III. DESCRIPTIVE/INTERPRETIVE FUNCTION OF MODALS: DESCRIPTIONS FROM THE SPEAKER'S POINT OF VIEW (OPINION)
4. Modals of Ability
4.4 Questions: Modals of Ability
4.4.1 Simple Modals
Use the simple modal (can, cannot) + subject + base form verb.
The question can be expressed using a negative form of the modal of ability. This expresses surprise at someone's inability to do something. This is usually expressed after hearing of an inability that someone had. Use the simple modal can + subject + not + base form verb.
Example
Can you not swim?
For the past, simply use 'could'.
Examples
Could you swim when you were a child?
Could you not swim?
4.4.2 Phrasal Modals
Use present, past or future form of verb BE + subject + 'able to' + base form verb.
Examples
Were you able to drive a car when you were young?
Will you be able to go to the bank on Saturday?
Might you be able to pick me up after my class?
For the perfect form, use 'have' + subject + been able to + base form verb.
Example
Have you been able to study much for this test?
Note: For phrasal modal questions, we do not use 'may' as the modal; instead, we use 'might'.
Exercise: Write questions of ability for the past, present and future that you would like to ask your family, parents, friends, or classmates.
Indicate who you would like to ask the question to. Alternatively, you could write questions for your classmates and then ask them. Write their answers. Use either simple modals or phrasal modals. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. Person:
Past Question:
Answer:
2. Person:
Past Question:
Answer:
3. Person:
Perfect Tense Question:
Answer:
4. Person:
Present Question:
Answer:
5. Person:
Present Question:
Answer:
6. Person:
Future Question:
Answer:
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