1 Modal Verbs

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Modal Verbs


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Modal verb= helping verb

A modal verb helps to add meaning to

another verb.Example:

I run to school everyday.

I can run to school everyday.

(Using can makes the sentence mean that I am abl

to run to school everyday. It does not mean I do this

everyday.)


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Rules for modal verbs:

1- Unlike most verbs, no sis needed to formthe third person singular.

For example:

He can work.-correctHe work.- incorrect

2- Adding notforms the negative structure.For example: I cannot

I must not

I may not


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3- Modal verbs always need another verb

because they cannot act as the main verb in a

sentence.

For example: I can to school. -incorrect

I can walk to school.- correct

Rules for modal verbs:


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ModalVerbs

Must not

May Not


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We use must

-to express necessity or obligation

(something

you have to do).

You must leave now.

You must study for the test.

Example:


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We use must not

-to express prohibition (something you are

not allowed to do).

You must not forget your homework.

Example:


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We use can

She can swim very well.

Can I use your pencil?

Examples:

-to express ability or

possibility.

-to request something.

-to ask for permission.


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We use cannot

-to express inability of impossibility

(something that is not going to happen).

-to forbid or prohibit something (tell

somebody they are not allowed to do

something).

Examples:

She cannot swim.

No you cannot use my pencil.


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We use may

-to express possibility.

-to give permission.

-to request permission.

It may rain today.

May I leave early?

Yes, you may leave early.

Examples:


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We use may not

-to forbid or prohibit something.

Example:

No, you may not leave early.


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Using modal verbs to form questions:

A modal verb is moved to the beginning ofthe sentence to form a question.

Examples: You can read.

Can you read?

She must leave.Must she leave?

You may not go to the mall.

May I go to the mall?


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Fill in the blanks with the most suitable modal verb.

1) We _____ go to the beach this weekend but weare not sure.

2) I ______ go to the movie theatre because I have

enough money.

3) The lake is dangerous. You __________ swim in it.

4) No, you __________ go out tonight.

5) ______ I borrow your book?

MAY

CAN

MUST NOT

CANNOT

MAY


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Answering a question using a modal verb

-you need to answer the question with yes or

no.

-you need to use a comma after the yes or no.

May I come to your party?

Yes, you may come to my party.

Must you talk so fast?

No, I can slow down for you.

Examples:


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When you ask for permission, do we use may or

can?

Both can and may are used to ask permission.


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May is considered more polite.

Example:May I borrow your book please? (polite)

Can I borrow your book please?


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-Should, would, and could are modal verbs that

often confuse second language students.

-They are similar in nature, yet they are verydifferent in their meanings.


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-Should is used to give advice:

You should wear that shirt because it looks nice

on you.

-You can also use should to give yourself adviceor to state something you would advise yourself

to do.

I think I should go home to study.


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-Could is used to ask permission and is usually

used in conditional situations or situations of

possibility.

Could I borrow that shirt for a party tonight?

(Conditional on if the shirt owner allows it)

I could pass the test if I studied all night.

Could is often used a the past of can, but this is

not always grammatically correct because it canchange the meaning of the sentence.

I could swim when I was 10.

I was able to swim when I was 10.


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-Would is used when referring to a situationthat may or may not happen:

Would you give me that shirt for one million

dollars?

I would go to movies this weekend. (doesnt

mean you are going to)

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1 Modal Verbs