Grammar in Context: School Project
Imagine you’re at an international school planning a group project:
- Teacher: "You must submit your project by Friday. You can work in groups, but you should plan carefully. You may ask me for help."
- Student 1: "I can design the poster, but I might need software."
- Student 2: "Shall we meet at 3 PM?"
- Student 3: "I could help with research, but I ought to avoid taking on too much."
Part 1: Can, May, Might, Could
Can (Ability, Permission)
Meaning: Ability (‑ebilmek) or informal permission.
Example: I can swim very well.
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Negative: I can’t swim.
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Question: Can you swim?
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May (Possibility, Polite Permission)
Meaning: Possibility (‑ebilir) or polite permission.
Example: It may rain this afternoon.
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Negative: It may not rain.
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Question: May I use your pen?
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Might (Possibility)
Meaning: Possibility (‑ebilir), more polite/less certain than may.
Example: She might come to the party.
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Negative: She might not come.
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Could (Past Ability, Past Possibility, Polite Request)
Meaning: Past ability (‑ebiligordu), past possibility, or polite requests.
Example: I could run fast when I was young.
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Negative: I couldn’t run fast.
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Question: Could I use your dictionary?
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Part 2: Shall, Must, Should, Ought to
Shall (Promises, Suggestions)
Meaning: Promises or suggestions (‑acağım, ‑ecek miyiz?).
Example: I shall help you.
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Question: Shall we go to the theater?
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Must (Certainty, Strong Recommendation)
Meaning: Logical certainty or strong obligation.
Example: You must wear a helmet.
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Negative: You mustn’t smoke here.
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Should (Recommendation, Advice)
Meaning: Advice or recommendations (‑meli, ‑malı).
Example: You should study for the exam.
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Negative: You shouldn’t eat too much sugar.
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Ought to (Advice, Obligation)
Meaning: Advice or moral obligation, more formal than should.
Example: You ought to respect your elders.
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Negative: You ought not to lie.
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Grammar in Context Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb. Answers provided below.
- Students ___ work in groups to finish the project. (Permission)
- I ___ finish the poster by tonight, but I’m not sure. (Possibility, less certain)
- We ___ meet at 3 PM to discuss the tasks. (Suggestion)
- You ___ submit the project by Friday; it’s mandatory. (Obligation)
- She ___ draw very well when she was younger. (Past ability)
Answers: 1. can, 2. might, 3. shall, 4. must, 5. could
Modals Quiz
Select the correct modal verb for each sentence.
1. ___ I borrow your pen? (Polite request)
2. She ___ be tired; she’s been working all day. (Certainty)
