Read the table which shows other functions of the modal auxiliaries.
| Modal Verbs | Functions |
|---|---|
| 1. could | (i) possibility<br>(ii) unreal ability<br>(iii) request<br>(iv) suggestion |
| 2. couldn’t | (i) inability |
| 3. should | (i) probability<br>(ii) advice |
| 4. would | (i) request<br>(ii) past habit |
Now, make sentences with the modal verbs given in the table above with each function of the modal verbs. Mention the function in brackets.
could — possibility
It could rain heavily tomorrow. (possibility)
could — unreal ability
If I were the Principal, I could declare a holiday. (unreal ability)
could — request
Could you please help me with this bag? (request)
could — suggestion
You could try restarting the computer to fix the issue. (suggestion)
couldn't — inability
She couldn't attend the meeting due to illness. (inability)
should — probability
The bus should be here any minute now. (probability)
should — advice
You should drink plenty of water. (advice)
would — request
Would you kindly lend me your book? (request)
would — past habit
During our childhood, we would spend hours playing outside. (past habit)
Explanation
The question requires forming sentences that demonstrate the specific function of each modal auxiliary verb as listed in the textbook table. 'Could' can express possibility, unreal ability (often in conditional sentences), a polite request, or a suggestion. 'Couldn't' expresses inability. 'Should' can indicate probability (logical expectation) or advice. 'Would' is used for polite requests or past habits.