10 – Grammar: Modals of Politeness

A. When making requests on the telephone, it is very important to use modals to show politeness Try to make a list of as many modals as you can think of below.

Example: Could you please have him call me back?

B. Look at the following statements that contain modals. Identify the modals in each statement.

Could I please speak with someone about the TOEFL class?
… if you would leave your name…
I can’t come to the phone right now…

C. Answer the following questions

1. Where is a modal located in a question? _________________________________
2. Where is a modal located in a sentence? _________________________________
3. Can a modal be part of a contraction? How? ____________________________
4. Can you think of another example of a modal as a contraction? __________

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