Question 17 of 23intermediate🔧 ApplyEssay9 marks

Read the table which shows other functions of the modal auxiliaries.

Modal VerbsFunctions
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-i)

could — possibility

Answer

It could rain heavily tomorrow. (possibility)

(could-ii)

could — unreal ability

Answer

If I were the Principal, I could declare a holiday. (unreal ability)

(could-iii)

could — request

Answer

Could you please help me with this bag? (request)

(could-iv)

could — suggestion

Answer

You could try restarting the computer to fix the issue. (suggestion)

(couldn't-i)

couldn't — inability

Answer

She couldn't attend the meeting due to illness. (inability)

(should-i)

should — probability

Answer

The bus should be here any minute now. (probability)

(should-ii)

should — advice

Answer

You should drink plenty of water. (advice)

(would-i)

would — request

Answer

Would you kindly lend me your book? (request)

(would-ii)

would — past habit

Answer

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.