UNIT 1.

HEALTH PROBLEMS
Created by: Licda. Naldy Evelin Arteaga Oliva1
Revised and updated by MsDi Misael Jonathan Hernández Vaquerano, Course Coordinator.

The purpose of this unit is to make students identify and apply the infinitive
complements, auxiliary verbs, the structure with so, neither, too, either, the use of will
and would, and vocabulary related to some functional topics such as health problems, ask
for and give suggestions, trips, vacations and ordering food.

Content
1. MODAL VERBS: CAN-COULD, MAY-MIGHT, SHOULD, HAVE TO – MUST. ................... 2
1.2 VERBS +NOUNS OR ADJECTIVES .......................................................................................10
1.3 SO, NEITHER, TOO, EITHER ..................................................................................................11
1.4 WILL AND WOULD FOR REQUEST ......................................................................................16
2.0 VOCABULARY ..........................................................................................................................17
2.1 HEALTH PROBLEMS................................................................................................................17
2.2 MEDICATIONS AND REMEDIES............................................................................................18
2.3 PERSONAL OBJECTS IN TRAVELING ..................................................................................18
2.4 FOOD AND RESTAURANT ......................................................................................................19
2.5 HOBBIES .....................................................................................................................................20
2.6 PARTS OF THE BODY ..............................................................................................................20

1 Licenciada en Idioma Inglés, docente de la Escuela de Mercadeo Internacional de la Facultad de Ciencias

Económicas, Universidad de El Salvador.

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 1. MODAL VERBS: CAN-COULD, MAY-MIGHT, SHOULD, HAVE TO –
MUST.

The auxiliary verbs can, could, would, should, may, might, must, and have to are verbs that are
used with other verbs in order to express a specific meaning. These can express abilities,
possibilities, suggestions-advice, obligations, request, and permission.

AUXILIARYVERB Spanish meaning

CAN Poder
COULD podría/podía
MIGHT Podría
MAY Podría
SHOULD Debería
HAVE TO tener que
MUST Deber

Examples:
-I could go to the movies with you or with Joseph. (This sentence expresses possibility.) Most of
the time it includes 2 options to express a present possibility.
-She can play soccer. Marcos can play the guitar. (These sentences express ability.)
-You should drink more water. Maria should go to the hospital. (These sentences express
suggestions.)
I have to wear my uniform at school. I have to go to work every day. (These sentences express
obligations.)
Can you turn off the light please? Could you pass me the menu? (These sentences express
requests.)
Can I go the bathroom please? - Mom, can I go to the party please? (These sentences
express request for permission.)

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 Important notice
These auxiliary verbs do not require changes when conjugating the third person singular (he, she
and it), it does not require changes to the main verb either. Exception have to. (See explanation
on page 7).
She can play soccer. (Correct) She cans play soccer. She can plays soccer. (Incorrect)

The negative sentences are formed by simply adding the Word "not” after the
auxiliary verb. Contractions can be used.

For example:
-You should not do that. (Shouldn´t). You shouldn´t do that.
-She cannot play soccer. (Can’t). She can´t play soccer.
-I must study harder. (Mustn’t). I mustn´t smoke.
I could go with you to the party. (can´t) I can´t go with you to the party. Couldn´t has a
different meaning. Therefore, the auxiliary verb can´t is used. Could not expresses a past
action that was not fulfilled, not a present possibility.

Other auxiliary verbs

-The above auxiliary verbs are never used with other auxiliary verbs such
as do, does, did, will.

For example, Does Maria can play the guitar? (Incorrect)

Can Maria play the guitar? (Correct)
In order to ask questions, the position of the auxiliary is inverted and added at the
beginning of the sentence. For example;
You could go the movies with me. -Could you go to the movies with me?
She can play soccer. -Can she play soccer?
I should drink more water. -Should I drink more water?

Each auxiliary verb can express more than one meaning depending on the context and
meaning that is being conveyed. . For example;
Use of Can
Can is used to express ability to do something, to ask for permission, and to express a
request. See the chart below:

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 Can Meaning
I can swim very well. Ability
Can he speak English fluently? - No, he Ability
can't.
We cannot sing that song. Ability
Mom, can I go aout? Request for permission
Paul, can I use your pen? Request for permission
Can I give my opinion? Request for permission
Can you turn off the light? Request
Can you open the window? Request
Can you close the door? Request.

May is used to ask for permission formally, especially when the other person has a higher
position than the speaker. For instance, a boss and an employee.
-Employee: Boss, May I go early today? I have a medical appointment.
-Boss: yes you may.
Can is used informally, usually among friends or people you know well.
Ann and Robert are good friends:
-Ann: Robert, can I go with you to the park?
-Robert: Of course Ann! Let´s go together.

Formal Informal
May is used to request permission and to Robert, can I ask you a question.
express permission.
Teacher, may I ask a question?
Yes, you may.
Teacher, may I come in? (It requests for Can I come in?
permission)
Yes, you may. (It expresses permission)

Mom, May I go to the party? (it requests -Susan, Can you go with me to the
for permission). party?
Yes, you may, but don´t be back too late. -Yes, I can go with you.

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 May I smoke here? - No, you can't, I'm May is always formal.

sorry.

Notice that when the permission is

declined, it is more common to use the
auxiliary verb can´t.
Use of may and might: May and might are also used to express
-John, why Tom is not here today? present possibility and have similar
-He might be in the traffic jam. meaning.
- He may be sick.

You may not park your car here. May not expresses prohibition.

Use of must.
Must is a modal auxiliary verb that expresses obligation. Different than have to, the auxiliary
modal verb must expresses a personal obligation. That is to say, the obligation is what
subject considers necessary.
For example:
I must study harder to get a good grade.
Even though it is ok to use must for obligations and rules imposed by others, most of the
time, have to is used instead.

Must meaning

I did not get the day off. I must go to Obligation.

work.
You must go to court due to the accident. Obligation
He doesn´t stop watching television. The Probability.
movie must be fascinating.
He must be in love. He gave her flowers Probability.
and chocolates.

Notice that after the auxiliary vert must,

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 the particle to is not used. On top of that,
there is no need to make changes to the
main verb when conjugating the third
person singular; he, she, and it.
He must to study. (incorrect)
He must to studies (incorrect).
He must study (correct).

Must not Meaning

We must not arrive late today. Other than Prohibition
that, the teacher will not allow us to come in.

He mustn’t not enter this room. It is Prohibition.

dangerous.

Use of should.
The auxiliary verb should can be used to express ideal situations, probabilities and
suggestions/recommendations or advice. Also, it is used to request advice.
Though it has more than one meaning, most of the time is used to express advice.
For example, when you go to the doctor, you will receive suggestions or advice.
-Doctor, I have terrible headache. What should I do?
-You should take 1 aspirin every 6 hours and you should rest.
You should drink more water.
You should not watch too much television.
You should avoid eating junk food.

Should meaning
There should be more job opportunities What is ideal or desired.
There should be more schools in this What is ideal or desired.
country.
There should be more police officers What is ideal or desired.
patrolling this city.
You should rest, you look tired. Suggestions or advice
Mary should study harder; other than that, Suggestions or advice
she will fail the course.
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Rose should go to the hospital. She looks Suggestions or advice
sick.
You should take an aspirin if you have a Suggestions or advice.
headache.
There should be many people at her party. Probability.
She has many friends.
Mary should be at home by now. She said Probability.
she would arrive in ten minutes.
We should go home, it is getting late. Suggestions or advice.
I feel sad. What should I do? Request for advice.
I have an exam tomorrow, but I want to go Request for advice.
the party. What should I do?

Use of have to
Have to is often grouped as part of the auxiliary verbs list. However, it is not an auxiliary verb. Have
to is often used to express that something is obligatory. It usually expresses impersonal obligations.
That is to say, the subject of have to is obliged to carry out actions or behaviors by external
authorities such as rules and laws. In other words, the obligation is not the opinion of the subject but it
comes from others.
For example, students have to wear uniforms in many private schools.
You have to take an admission test to become a university student at UES.
Have to meaning
Sonya has to be at 6.00 am at work every day. Obligation.
Ronald has to wear a tie at work. Obligation.
Negative form: Since have to is not an actual modal verb, it can
We don´t have to work weekends. be conjugated and it can suffer changes when
He doesn´t have to wear uniform at work. referring to the third person singular.
She does not have to attend to the meeting. She has to. She does not have to.
He has to. He doesn´t have to.
It has to. It doesn´t have to.

Practice.
Read the following sentences and write down the meaning if they express permission, request, and
prohibition, and obligation, suggestions/advice.

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Auxiliary verb meaning
Maria should do her homework.
You should tell her your opinion.
Michael has to work weekends.
I have to stop when the traffic light is on red.
I might be late for work today.
He may get sick after eating that fish.
I can play the piano.
Rosita can play tennis.
Can I play with you?
Could you send me the information by
email?
I must do my homework.
You have to be on time for the meeting.
I could send you an email or call you later.

ACTIVITY 2
READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE AND COMPLET THE BELOW SENTENCES.

1- In South Dakota, You drive a car at 13 years old.

2- I n Peru, you after the age of 13.

3- In the UK every student study Chinese.

4- Until 1994, Black people vote.
5- Around 2 million children go to school.

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 Source: - Richards, jack. (3rd Edition). (2003), New Interchange. Mexico. Cambridge
University Press. (Unit 14)

In order to give advice about a health problem, the following structures can be
used:

I have a cold. What do you suggest? A) It is important to get a lot of rest

It is a good idea to take some vitamin C

B) Go to bed and rest

Take some vitamin C

C) You should get a lot of rest.

You can take some vitamin C

There are different ways to give advice or suggestions. In the American

culture, it is impolite to give advice if the speaker doesn´t request it.
According to the option A, on the above chart, it is possible to use any phrase that
in bold, plus the verb in the infinitive form ( to go to rest). Seen the chart below:

ENGLISH SPANISH
It is a good idea to see the doctor Es buena idea ver al doctor.
It’s important to take some aspirin Es importante tomar aspirina.
It’s helpful to rest Es útil descansar.
It’s essential to drink a lot of liquids Es esencial beber muchos líquidos.
It’s important not to speak a lot Es importante no hablar mucho.
It’s best not to go out Es mejor no salir.

EXAMPLE:
I have a cough it’s a good idea to get some medicine.

According to the option B, we can use the verb without conjugating it plus a complementary
phrase.

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Example:
I have a cough get some medicine.

When the advice takes a negative form, the sentence will take the
following structures:
I have a cough Advice = don’t speak.
.
According to option C, the auxiliary verbs can be used as a normal sentence. See the
following examples:
I have a cough Advice= you should get some medicine.

Read the following dialogue that includes examples about how to request and how to
give suggestions regarding health problems.
Pharmacist: Hi, May I help you?
Sandra: Yes, please. Could I have something for a cough?
Pharmacist: Sure! Try these cough drops they work very well.
Sandra: OK, I’ll take one box. And what do you suggest for dry skin?
Pharmacist: Well, you could get a jar of this new lotion.
Sandra: OK. And one more thing. My husband has no energy these days.
Can you suggest anything?
Pharmacist: It’s important to get some rest and he should try these vitamins.
Sandra: great! I will take three bottles of those vitamins.

1.2 VERBS +NOUNS OR ADJECTIVES

HAVE +NOUN FEEL + ADJECTIVE

I have a stomachache. I feel homesick.

The verb to have is used to mention health problems. (See the vocabulary list about
health problems 2.0 on page 16.)
The verb “to feel” will be used in order to describe how a person feels by describing the
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feelings through adjectives.
For example:

What´s the matter? I have insomnia / I feel awful

What’s wrong? I have allergy / I feel terrible
How are you? I have dry skin / I feel sick
How do you feel? I have a sore throat / I don’t feel well

Read the following dialogue. Pay attention to the correct use of the verbs:

Manuel: Hey, Ismael. How are you?

Ismael: Oh,I’m not so good, actually.
Manuel: Why? What’s the matter?
Ismael: Well I have a headache and a backache.
Manuel: Maybe you have the flu.
Ismael: No, I think I just feel a Little homesick for Japan.

Manuel: That’s too bad…But maybe I can help. Let’s have lunch
at that new Japanese restaurant.
Ismael: That’s a great idea. Thanks Manuel. I feel better already!

Activity, complete the sentences by using verbs “to have” or “to feel”
terrible bad vomit
sick a backache indigestion
the flu homesick awful
1.3 SO, NEITHER, TOO, EITHER

The words so and too are used to express to be in agreement with a positive
sentence that somebody else has said. .Read and study the vocabulary about hobbies
since it will be used in this unit. Check the following structure:

Positive sentence: To agree

I like video games. So do I / I do too.
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 She likes video games. So doe she/ She does too.
He likes video games. So does he/ He does too.
They like video games. So do they/ They do too.
..

The structures is as follows:

SO + AUXILIAR+ Subject
I am a good soccer player. So am I
I can solve jigsaw puzzles. So can I

With the word TOO the structure is as follows:

SUJETO +AUXILIAR +TOO
I am a good soccer player. I am too.
I can solve jigsaw puzzles. I can too.
I like video games. I do too.

When using the words so and too as answers, we agree with what has
been said. Note that so is written at the beginning of the sentence.
However, too goes at the end.

If we don´t agree with the sentence, the answer will have to be negative keeping the same
structure:
Sentence Agree Disagree
I am a good soccer player I am too / so am I I’m not a good soccer player.
I can solve jigsaw puzzles. I can too/so can I I can’t solve jigsaw puzzles.
I like video games. I do too/ so do I I don’t like video games.

The words NEITHER and EITHER are used to agree with a negative
statement that somebody els has said.
The following examples will show the correct structure about that word.

Negative Statement To agree with the statement.

I don’t like gambling. Neither do I / I don’t either
No me gusta apostar. a mí tampoco/ a mí tampoco.

We will use NEITHER at the beginning of the answer. Then, we will use the auxiliary
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verb that matches the tense of the verb in the sentence.
: NEITHER + AUXILIAR+ SUJETO.
I am not a good swimmer Neither am I
I cannot surf Neither can I

With the word EITHER the structure is as follows:

SUJETO +AUXILIAR (Negative) +EITHER
I am not a good swimmer. I am not, either
I cannot surf. I cannot, either
I don’t like gambling I don’t, either

When using the words either, neither as answers, we are expressing that
we agree with what has been said. Take into account that neither is
written at the beginning and either goes at the end. However, with these
words, the auxiliary verb must be negative

If we do not agree with the statement, the answer would have to be the same, but
positive.
Sentence Agreement Disagreement
I am not a good swimmer. Neither am I / I’m not either I’m a good swimmer.
I can not surf. Neither can I / I can’t either I can surf.
I don’t like gambling Neither do I / I don’t either I like gambling.

There is certain difference among the forms of expressing likes and dislikes. We
could use a positive form.
Positive form
I like = me gusta…
I really like = realmente me gusta…
I’m in the mood for = tengo ganas de… / estoy de humor para…
I’m crazy about = estoy loco por…
I love = me encanta…/ amo…

Negative form
I don’t like =no me gusta…
I don’t really like =realmente no me gusta…
I’m not in the mood for= no estoy de humor para…/ no tengo ganas de…
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 I’m not crazy about = no estoy loco por…
I hate = odio…
I can’t stand = no soporto…

EXAMPLE:
ENGLISH SPANISH
I’m not crazy about cooking No estoy loco por la cocina.
I don’t like riddles. No me gustan las adivinanzas.
I can’t stand card games No soporto los juegos de cartas.
I always do knitting Yo siempre hago tejido/bordado
I hate sewing Odio coser.

Activity:
Read the following sentences; then, write the sentences to show
agreement or disagreement by using so, too, either and neither. (There are
negative and positive sentences).
1. I like jogging .
2. I don’t study French.
3. I can’t drive a car.
4. I love painting.
5. I am a good student.

.ACTIVITY:
READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE

These remedies from around the world might help.

Upset Stomach

Spain – Boil some water and throw in a handful of celery leaves (make
sure to rinse them first). Let the leaves for five minutes, strain, and then
drink the tea.

China – Add four slices of fresh ginger to a cup of black tea.

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 Cold and Flu
Dominican Republic – Finely chop half of a large onion. Mix with
one cup of honey. Every night, take 2 tablespoons of this mixture
with the juice of half a lime.

Cuba – Make an oregano tea. Steep half a cup of dried oregano in a cup of boiling
water and let it steep for five minutes before straining.

Acne
South Africa – Create an acne cream by mixing four tablespoons of
honey with three teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Apply it directly to
the skin and leave it on overnight. Use it every night for best results.

Hangovers
USA – Make a “prairie oyster”: Combine a raw egg yolk, two
teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, two teaspoons of vinegar,
one teaspoon of hot sauce, two teaspoons of ketchup, salt, and
pepper. Make sure not to crack the yolk.

Bangladesh: Coconut water

The thought behind this one is simple: it's hydrating. Coconut
water is also high in potassium and contains many helpful
ingredients such as antioxidants, ascorbic acids, and
magnesium.
Source: https://matadornetwork.com/life/natural-remedies-from-around-the- world/
According to the above article, what remedy is suggested for each health problem? Complete the
following sentences:

UPSET STOMACH:
In Spain, it’s a good idea to
In China, try
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 COLD AND FLU:
In Dominican Republic, you should
In Cuba,

ACNE
In South Africa;

HANGOVER
In USA,
In Bangladesh,

1.4 WILL AND WOULD FOR REQUEST

Auxiliary verbs WOULD and WILL are used in order to make requests. Will is also the
auxiliary verb used to form the future tense. For instance, In 10 years, I will live in Spain.
In this unit, will and would will be used to request food. There are some verbs that follow
these auxiliary verbs. See the chart below:

What kind of dressing would you like? I will get black suit.
I would like vinaigrette.

Would you like anything to drink? I’ll have an iced tea.

I’d like coffee.

Read and study the vocabulary about food and restaurants.

We can uns the contracted form when needed.
I will have = tomaré I’ll have the chicken= tomaré el pollo.
I would like = me gustaría I’d like the chicken = me gustaría el pollo.

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 ACTIVITY
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING DIALOGUE WITH THE CORRECT AUXILIARY VERB
WIIL OR WOULD.

WAITRESS: What you like to order?

CUSTOMER: I have the spicy chicken.
WAITRESS: _ you like rice or potatoes?
CUSTOMER: I like rice,please.
WAITRESS: OK. And you like anything to drink?
CUSTOMER: I just have a glass of wáter.
WAITRESS: Would you anything else?
CUSTOMER: No,That be all for now,thanks.

2.0 VOCABULARY
2.1 HEALTH PROBLEMS

ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH

allergy alergia insect bite picadura de insecto
asthma asma insomnia insomnio
backache dolor de espalda itch picazón
bleeding sangrado measles sarampión
blister ampolla mumps paperas
broken leg Pierna rota rash sarpullido
bruise moretón scratch rasguño
bump chichón scar cicatriz
burn quemadura smallpox viruela
chickenpox varicela sore throat garganta inflamada
cold resfrío sprain torcedura
cough Tos stomachache dolor de estomago
cut cortadura stress estrés
diarrhea Diarrea stroke ataque de apoplejía
dry skin Piel reseca sunburn quemadura de sol
earache Dolor de oído swelling hinchazón
fever Fiebre the flu gripe
fracture Fractura toothache dolor de muela
headache Dolor de cabeza vomit vomito
heart attack Ataque cardiaco wound herida
hiccups hipo Indigestion indigestión
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 2.2 MEDICATIONS AND REMEDIES

ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH

pill pildora bandage vendaje
tablet Tableta cast Yeso
capsule Capsula brace abrazadera
syrup Jarabe gauze gasa
ointment Ungüento thermometer termómetro
cream crema syringe, jeringa,
eye drops Gotas para ojos scissors Tijeras
injection inyección oxygen mask mascara de oxigeno
tranquilizer tranquilizante crutches muletas
pain-killer analgésico wheelchair silla de ruedas
antiseptic antiséptico

2.3 PERSONAL OBJECTS IN TRAVELING

ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH
backpack mochila postcard tarjeta postal
baggage equipaje reservations reservaciones
bags pantalón souvenir recuerdo
bathing suit traje de baño suitcase maleta
binoculars prismáticos sunscreen protector solar
camera cámara swimsuit traje de baño
compass brújula tent tienda de campaña
garment bag bolsa de ropa ticket tiquete
guided tour tur guiado Umbrella sombrilla
luggage equipaje video camera video cámara
map mapa hiking boots Botas de montaña
pack paquete sandals Sandalias
passport pasaporte hammock Hamaca
photos fotos flashlight linterna
photographs fotografías sleeping bag Bolsa de dormir

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 2.4 FOOD AND RESTAURANT
ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH
Appetizers aperitivos Garlic Bread, Pan con ajo
Salads and Soups Ensaladas y sopas Caesar Salad, Ensalada César
Sandwiches Emparedados Vinaigrette Vinagreta
Spicy fish Pescado picante noodles Fideos
Main Course Plato principal French Fries Papas fritas
Sides Acompañamiento Grilled Veggies Vegetales asados
Seafood mariscos Fish and Chips, Pescado y papas
Costilla a la
Potato salad Ensala de papa BBQ Ribs barbacoa
Specialties Especialidades Hot Wings, Alitas picantes
Desserts Postres Apple Pie, pie de manzana
Beverages Bebidas House wine Vino de la casa
Cheesecake Pastel de queso Smoked Salmon Salmon ahumado
Wine and Beer Vino y cerveza Jug of Beer, Jara de cerveza
Spaghetti and Espagueti y
Kids Menu Menú de niños Meatballs, albondigas

CONTAINERS

bottle box can cup

bowl carton pack tube

1-a of toothpaste 2- a of aspirin

3-a
ACTIVIDAD of bandages 4- a of shaving cream
5- a
Relacionar of tissues
los recipientes del cuadro anterior6-
cona los productos siguientes:
of coffee
7- a of soup 8- a of milk

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 2.5 HOBBIES
ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH
camping campamento jigsaw puzzle rompecabezas
canoeing Ir en canoa knitting tejer
card games juegos de cartas painting pintar
checkers juego de damas photography fotografía
chess Ajedrez pool billar americano
computing computación reading lectura
cooking Cocina riddles adivinanzas
crossword puzzle Crucigrama sewing costura
darts juego de dardos singing canto
dice Dados skating patinaje
dominoes Dominó stamp collecting filatelia
drawing Dibujo surfing surfear
gambling Apostar video games videojuegos
Mountain
gardening Escalar
jardinería climbing montaña

2.6 PARTS OF THE BODY

ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH
head Cabeza elbow codo
hair Pelo hand mano
forehead Frente finger dedo (de la mano)
eye Ojo neck cuello
eyebrow Ceja shoulder hombro
eyelashes Pestañas back espalda
nose Nariz chest pecho
mouth Boca waist cintura
tongue lengua stomach estómago
teeth Dientes leg pierna
lips Labios knee rodilla
throat Garganta ankle tobillo
ear Oreja foot pie
arm brazo toe el dedo (del pié)
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Activity. Look at the following picture; then, write the correct name of the body part in the space
provided. (Image retrieved from http://partsofbody2015.blogspot.com/2015/06/practice.html)

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 References
Bernal De G., E. (2015), Parts of Body. Retrieved from
http://partsofbody2015.blogspot.com/2015/06/practice.html .

Garcia, G. (2009), Natural Remedies from around the world. Retrieved from
https://matadornetwork.com/life/natural-remedies-from-around-the-world/.

- Richards, jack. (2nd Edition). (2003), New Interchange 1. Mexico. Cambridge

University Press.

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