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6.1.3: Modal Verb Question Formation and Structure

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    270090
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    Modal Verb Formation and Structure: Questions

    Modal Verbs are helping (auxiliary) verbs. Therefore, both the negative form and the question form are made by using the modal verbs.

    Yes/No Questions

    Modal Auxiliary Subject Base Verb Rest of Sentence
    May I go home early?
    Could she ride a bike?
    Would he help you?
    Can it drive safely?
    Will we get there on time/
    Should they study harder
    Must you leave so soon?

    Information Questions (WH Questions)

    Question Word Modal Auxiliary Subject Base Verb Rest of Sentence
    Who (Whom-formal) may I go speak to about this problem?
    Where will you buy a new car?
    What could she do when she was a baby?
    How can it help you with the work?
    When might we do our work?
    Why couldn't you finish your homework?

    Questions about the Subject

    This form is used when we are asking about the subject.

    Question Word Modal Auxiliary Base Verb Rest of Sentence
    Who can help me with the housework?
    What might be a suitable solution?

    Exercise 1.4

    Make questions with the WH words which following sentences.

    1. Joe can buy a new car next year.

    When

    Who

    2. I can go on vacation when I save enough money.

    When

    Where

    3. We should study irregular verbs before we take the final exam.

    What

    When

    4. You must come to class on time on Friday.

    Who

    When

    5. It might rain on Sunday.

    When

    Exercise 1.5

    Write a Question for the answer. Use the words that are provided.

    1. can/who/come/on Friday

    Question: Who can come on Friday?

    Answer: Sheila can come on Friday.

    2. could/what/happen/when the storm comes

    Question: ___________________________

    Answer: The streets could flood when the storm comes.

    3. should/who/bring/ the snacks for the party?

    Question: ______________________

    Answer: The teacher should bring the snacks. for the party

    4. will/what/be/the best place for our party

    Question: _______________________

    Answer: The banquet hall will be the best place for our party.

     

     


    This page titled 6.1.3: Modal Verb Question Formation and Structure is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Allyson Marceau.

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