Question

Read the following scenario and fill in the gaps using the prompts between brackets.

A mysterious letter has arrived for David by special delivery. He is nervous about opening it. Add suitable MODAL VERBS to complete the dialogue. He is with Liza, his wife.
6 Points (Each answer is worth 1 point)

Liza: ………………………. I have a look at it? (Permission)
David: I ……………………… think who it’s from. (Negative ability)
Liza: It ……………………… be important. (Assumption)
David: …………………… you read the postmark? (Ability)
Liza: It ………………………. be from your bank manager (possibility), so you ………… open it immediately. (Advice)

Answer 1

Liza: May I have a look at it? (Permission)

David: I can't think who it’s from. (Negative ability)

Liza: It might be important. (Assumption)

David: Can you read the postmark? (Ability)

Liza: It could be from your bank manager (possibility), so you should open it immediately. (Advice)

Step-by-step explanation:

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary (helping) verb used to indicate modality, meaning they are used to show likelihood, obligation, ability, suggestions, order, capability or advice.

As shown above:

• Liza used the verb 'may' is used to ask David's permission to read the letter
• David used 'can't' to express his negative ability to guess who the letter was from
• Liza used 'might' in assuming the letter's importance
• David used 'can' to ask Liza her ability of reading the postmark
• Liza used 'could' to express the possibility of who the sender was, and used 'should' in advising David to open it.