Grammar:Modal verbs

[2021.03.10] 發表
(明報製圖)

【明報專訊】Pat and Dr Panda are watching a football match between Team MoMo and Team Bill. The match is intense.

Pat: I am sitting on the edge of my seat! I can't predict the result.

Dr Panda: I am in full support of Team MoMo. They will probably win this match. Look at their passing and shooting skills. They are all talented players.

Pat: No way! Team Bill has strong defensive tactics. Team MoMo may not find a way to pass through the backfield players.

Dr Panda: Don't throw cold water on me! I think you should not underestimate the power of the strikers in Team MoMo. They must lead the match and win.

Pat: If I were you, I would not be that certain. You never know what happens next. Look! Team Bill almost scored. What a pity!

Dr Panda: It is true though. Sometimes the winning team might get exhausted before the end of the match and lose right away. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

■English highway﹕

Modal verbs are used to express an idea such as possibility. Various modal verbs are used to show different extents of possibility.

Might: The possibility is weak.

e.g. I might study politics, but it is just a mere plan.

May: The possibility is weak, but the event is slightly more possible than something that ''might'' happen.

e.g. I may go to Central today, depending on the schedule.

Will: The event is certain.

e.g. It will rain today according to the weather forecast.

Must: It refers to something necessary or obligatory.

e.g. You must leave the hall now.

Should: The event is likely to happen.

e.g. He should be there in a few minutes.

■Gear up

Circle the correct answers.

1. He ________(should/must) be sent to jail if he committed such serious offences.

2. We ________(may/will) go hiking next Saturday. It depends on the weather.

3. They __________ (should/must) arrive soon. Let's wait for a few minutes.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

defensive (adj) 防守的

underestimate (v) 低估

exhausted (adj) 極度疲累的

certain (adj) 確定的

[Smarties' Power English 第305期]

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