English Second Language·Grammar & language usage · NSSCO 1.9
Conditionals & modal verbs
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Two everyday grammar tools that make your English clearer and more polite. First we build 'if' sentences — the zero, first and second conditionals — so you know when to say 'will' and when to say 'would'. Then we meet the modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, ought to) and learn exactly what each one means and how to use it. Along the way, Miss Veronica fixes the little mistakes that cost marks.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO English Second Language 1.9):
- Explain that a conditional is an 'if' sentence made of a condition and a result
- Form the zero conditional to talk about general truths
- Form the first conditional (if + present simple, ... will + verb) for likely, real events
- Form the second conditional (if + past simple, ... would/could/might + verb) for unlikely or imaginary events, including 'If I were you...'
- Apply the comma rule when the 'if' clause comes first
- Name the modal verbs and use them correctly with the base verb (no 'to', no extra 's')
- Match modal verbs to their meanings: ability, permission, possibility, obligation, advice, offers and requests
- Distinguish 'must not' (forbidden) from 'don't have to' (not necessary) and correct common conditional and modal errors
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