🔀 Modals & Conditionals
Modals express possibility, obligation, and ability. Conditionals describe hypothetical situations. Both are frequently tested in O-Level -- get these right and you'll pick up easy marks!
Modal Verbs
| Modal | Functions |
|---|---|
| can | ability, permission (informal), possibility |
| could | past ability, polite request, possibility (less certain), suggestion |
| may | permission (formal), possibility |
| might | possibility (less likely), polite suggestion |
| shall | formal future (first person), suggestion, offer |
Conditional Types
Zero Conditional
General truths, scientific facts, and things that always happen.
If + present simple, present simple
If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
First Conditional
Real and possible situations in the future; likely outcomes.
If + present simple, will + base verb
If she studies consistently, she will do well in the O-Level examinations.
Second Conditional
Hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future; imaginary scenarios.
If + past simple, would + base verb
If I were the class chairperson, I would organise more study groups.
Third Conditional
Unreal past situations; imagining different outcomes for events that already happened.
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
If he had revised more thoroughly, he would have scored better in the preliminary examinations.
Modal + Base Form Only
Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb. ❌ "She can speaks" → ✅ "She can speak". ❌ "He must goes" → ✅ "He must go".
Conditionals in Real Life!
"If I study hard, I will score well" (First Conditional — real possibility). "If I were the Prime Minister, I would..." (Second Conditional — hypothetical). You use these every day without realising you're doing grammar!
'She can speaks three languages.' What's wrong with this sentence?