Page 70 - Dersler Cepte - English 12

Topic Summary - Modal Verbs

INTRODUCTION TO MODALS
Modals are used in sentences to give the meaning of ability, obligation, advice, etc. Therefore, having a good command on modals will
help us understand the meaning of the sentences better. Consequently, it will be easier for us to choose the right option in paragraph
comprehension, restatement, translation and dialogue questions.

CORE INFORMATION
1. Modals Used For Ability (Can – Be Able To)

Usages of “Can – Be Able To”
Günümüzdeki yetenekleri ve becerileri ifade etmek için “can” ve “be able to” kullanılır.
▪ My students assert that they can understand German better than they can speak it.
▪ She will be able to drive in traffic when she passes her driving test.
▪ I can carry a loaded rucksack thirty kilometres without getting tired.
▪ Can animals understand each other as well as humans?
“Be able to” tüm zamanlarda çekimlenebilir.
▪ Since prehistoric times, human beings have been able to develop a highly civilized society by working very hard.
▪ Ancient people were able to live in tents even in harsh and cold weather conditions though this seems strange to some people.
Geçmişteki yetenekler ifade edilirken “could” kullanılır.

▪ In my younger days, I could run miles without getting tired at all.
▪ When she was in Iran as a child, she could speak Persian quite well.

Geçmişteki tek bir olaydan (single event) bahsediliyorsa, o olaya yönelik bir başarı, üstesinden gelme durumu söz konusudur.
Bu durumlarda “was / were able to” kullanılması gerekir.
▪ Last Sunday when we were in Uludağ, I was able to / could ski even though it is rather difficult.
▪ It is possible to look for a parking place for hours in Istanbul, but yesterday I was able to / could find it in a minute.

2. Modals Used For Possibility (May, Might, Can, Could, Be likely)

Usages of “May, Might, Can , Could, Be Likely”
Şu anki ve gelecekteki ihtimallerden söz ederken “may, might, can, could ve be likely” yapıları kullanılır.
▪ Hurry up, please! We may not find a seat if the tickets are sold before we arrive.
▪ Is it likely that scientists will solve the problem of diabetes?
▪ If everything goes as planned, we could meet tomorrow at the picnic area.
▪ Although she has fallen behind her classmates because of her long-time illness, she is likely to keep up with them in a
short time with her hard work and patience.
3. Modals Used For Request (Can you...? / Could you ...? / Would you...? / Will you...? / Do you mind...?
Would you mind...?

Structure of “Can you…? / Could you…? / Would you…? / Will you…? / Do you mind…? / Would you mind…?

Could you
(Formal)
Would you Would you
mind (Formal)
ask for permission more asking for permission
Can you (Informal)
gently? more gently?
Do you mind (Informal)
Will you (More Direct)

Usages of “Can you...?, Could you...?, Would you...?, Will you...?, Do you mind...?, Would you mind...?”
Birisinden bir ricada bulunurken bu yapılar kullanılır.

▪ Do you mind speaking quietly as I don’t want to have trouble with my new neighbours?
▪ Could you tell me a bit about how you got into fashion design?
▪ Would you mind repeating the prerequisites for joining the new project team?

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