Life Upper Intermediate Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What do modal verbs primarily express in English?

Emotion and feeling

Fact and evidence

Ability, possibility, permission, or obligation

Modal verbs in English primarily express aspects related to ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. These verbs, such as can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, and would, enable speakers to convey nuances about actions and their likelihood, necessity, or authority.

For example, when using "can," one can express ability as in "I can swim," which indicates capability. Similarly, "may" and "might" relate to possibility, as in "It may rain today," suggesting an uncertain future event. Modal verbs also allow for expression of permission, such as in "You may leave early," granting leave, or obligation, for example in "You must finish your homework," which indicates a requirement.

Thus, the correct answer encompasses the primary functions of modal verbs in English, accurately reflecting their role in discussions regarding abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations in various contexts.

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Opinion and belief

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