English blog Level 5

  Modal verbs, or modal verbs, are those verbs in English that help a sentence to have a better meaning thanks to their function. You can use them when you want to give another meaning to a sentence. For example, if you want to ask permission to speak or to find out if they might come to pick you up. CAN Can is a modal verb and must be accompanied by a main verb in its base form.  The modal verb can can be used to ask, grant or deny permission in an informal setting. Examples:  Can I have another glass of water, please? Yes, of course, you can You can come to my party if you wish.  He can’t come because he is too young.   COULD Could is also a modal verb and must be accompanied by another verb with its own meaning and in the base form of the verb. We use it to ask permission in a formal way. Examples: Could you pass me the salt, please?   Could I speak to you later, please? MAY The modal verb may is mainly used to ask permission in a formal way.  Examples: May I talk to you,please? May

In English it is common to end sentences with another short phrase, of opposite sign, which has the intention of asking for the opinion or seeking the approval of the interlocutor: these are the so-called question tags (question tags). These phrases are equivalent to: isn't it, isn't it, isn't it, isn't it, really, really? The basic structure of a tag question is: Important! -If the sentence is negative, the tag is usually positive, as in the example below. Tom doesn't play the piano, does he? Note: Sentences with negative words are considered to be negative. Therefore, they require positive tag question endings, as in these examples: He never drinks alcohol, does he? Nobody left a message, did they? -If the sentence is positive, the tag is usually negative, as in the next example. The hotel was quite good, wans't it?  Other examples: But you don't really love her, do you? This'll work, won't it? Oh you think so, do you? Well, I couldn't help it