Dialogue Further Practice in Excusing, Possibility, Obligation, Permission, Etc. – Basic 4 English Lesson Note (First Term)

Modal verbs such as can, may, must, have to and ought to help us excuse ourselves, show possibility, ask permission and state obligation.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the meaning of can, may, have to, must and ought to.
2. Use can and may correctly to show possibility and ask for permission.
3. Use have to, must and ought to to show obligation and what is right.
4. Excuse oneself politely using suitable expressions.
5. Act out short dialogues using these words.

What are modal verbs?

A modal verb is a helping verb that shows ability, possibility, permission or obligation.

• Examples: can, may, must, ought to, have to.
• Rule: the main verb after a modal stays in its simple form (can run, may go, must obey).
• Rule: modals do not add s, even with he, she or it (he can, not he cans).

What does “can” mean?

Can shows that something is possible or that a person is able to do it.

• Possibility: it is possible for the action to happen.
• Ability: a person has the power or skill to do it.
• Informal permission: we use it with friends and family.

Examples with can

• Can Segun wash his plates?
• Can you run?
• Can I take his textbook?
• Can Mr. Michael borrow his neighbour’s hoe and cutlass?

What does “may” mean?

May is used to ask for or give permission, and to show that something is possible.

• Asking permission: May is more polite than can, so use it with elders and teachers.
• Giving permission: You may go out now.
• Possibility: It may rain today.

Examples with may

• May I borrow your books, please?
• Father may correct the children.
• You may sit down.

What is obligation and which words show it?

Obligation is a duty that a person must carry out.

• Have to: shows a duty that must be done, as in “I have to obey my mother.”
• Must: shows a strong duty or rule, as in “Mother must be obeyed.”
• Must not: shows something forbidden, as in “Mother must not be disobeyed.”
• Ought to: shows what is right or good to do, as in “You ought to sweep your class.”

Note: has to is used with he, she and it (Segun has to wash the plates).

How do we excuse ourselves politely?

To excuse yourself is to ask pardon or leave politely when you have done wrong or must go.

• Excuse me: used to get attention or to pass by someone.
• I am sorry: used when you have done something wrong.
• Pardon me: used to ask someone to forgive or repeat.
• May I be excused?: used to ask a teacher for permission to leave.

Examples

• Excuse me, madam, may I pass?
• I am sorry, sir. I have to go to the toilet.
• Please excuse me, I cannot come because I am sick.

What is the difference between can, may, have to and ought to?

What are some practice dialogues?

A dialogue is a talk between two or more people.

Dialogue 1: asking to share a secret

• Ayomide: Can I tell you my secret? (or: Please permit me to tell you a secret.)
• Olamide: Yes, I am listening.

Dialogue 2: giving permission

• Ayomide: Can I tell you something new?
• Olamide: You may (or can) if you like.
• Ayomide: Daddy has permitted me to go to the national stadium to watch that football match.

Dialogue 3: excusing oneself

• Pupil: Excuse me, madam. May I be excused?
• Teacher: Yes, you may. Come back quickly.
• Pupil: Thank you, madam.

What mistakes should we avoid?

• Wrong verb form: write “Can Mr. Michael borrow”, not “Can Mr. Michael borrows”.
• Wrong word: write “You ought to sweep your class”, not “Your ought to sweep you class”.
• Capital letters: may in the middle of a sentence has no capital letter.

Evaluation

1. Write two sentences using can to show possibility.
2. Which word is more polite for asking an elder for permission, can or may?
3. Complete: You ______ (ought to / can) respect your teachers.
4. Write what you would say to excuse yourself when you reach school late.
5. Correct this sentence: Your ought to sweep you class.

Assignment

Write a short dialogue of six lines between you and your teacher. Use may, can and ought to at least once each.