MODALS

MODAL VERBS

I. DEFINITIONII. STRUCTUREIII. HOW TO

USE !

I. DEFINITION

MODAL VERBS

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to indicate modality-that is likelihood, ability, permission, possiblity,...

Two of my friends can play guitar (ability)

MODAL VERBS

LIST OF MODAL VERBS

Can

Could MustShould

These all can be called

MODALS

Subject Modal verb

Main verb

Complement

I We

TheyYouHeSheIt

must

can

should

go to sleep.

drink some water.

eat some food.

do some exercise.

Use the basic form or INFINITIVE of the main verbs after the modal verbs.

II. STRUCTURE

MODAL VERBS

a. Modal verbs do not add s or es to the third person singular.

He can swim. He cans swim.

MODAL VERBS

b. Modal verbs don’t need auxiliaries to form negative and question.

Exp : She should stay. She doesn’t should stay. → She shouldn’t stay.

→ Why should she stay?Why does she stay?

c. Modal verbs don’t have infinitives or –ing forms

Exp: canning to should

MODAL VERBS

HOW TO USE

CAN Use Example

Ability / Possibility They can control their own work.

Impossibility We can’t fix it.

Asking for permission Can I bring the food to the party?

Request Can you help me?

MODAL VERBS

COULD Use Example

permission Could I borrow your dictionary?

request Could you say it again more slowly?

possibility I think we could have another tea.

.

ability He gave up his old job so he could

work for us.

MODAL VERBS

MUST Use Example

obligation You must obey the law

things necessarry to do We must go now.

strong recommendation You must see The Hobbit!

.

MODAL VERBS

MUSTN’T Use Example

prohibition You mustn’t break the law.

.

MODAL VERBS

III. USAGESHOULD

Use Example

Saying what’s right or correct (advice) We should solve this problem.

Possibility Fees should decrease next year.

MODAL VERBS

III. USAGESHOULDN’T

Use Example

Saying what’s wrong or incorrect (advice) We shouldn’t solve this problem without consulting it with the boss first.

Be able to AND have to ARE

NOT MODAL VERBS

NORMAL VERBS

BE ABLE TO Use Example

ability I’m able to dance.

possibility Will you be able to come to the party?

WE USE BE ABLE TO IN DIFFERENT TENSES.

NORMAL VERBS

HAVE TO Use Example

obligation You have to come to work on time.

things necessary to do You have to decide on the new logo.

strong recommendations You have to see The Hobbit!

WE USE HAVE TO IN DIFFERENT TENSES

.

NORMAL VERBS

DON’T HAVE TO Use Example

no obligation You don’thave to come to the party if you don’t want to.

.

COMPARE

III. USAGEMUST AND HAVE TO

Use Example

obligation You must/have to obey the law.

things necessary to do You must/have to go now.

Strong recommendation You must/have to see The Hobbit!

COMPARE

III. USAGEMUSTN’T AND DON’T HAVE TO

Use Example

prohibition use MUSTN’T You mustn’t park here. (or You can’t park here/ You’re not allowed to park here)

things not necessary to do HAVE TO You don’t have to do this exercise. (you can if you want to BUT you don’t have to)

NO MUST IN THE PAST

!!! PAY ATTENTIONMUST AND HAVE TO Use Example

NEVER USE MUST IN THE PAST You must/have to do your job. past ----- > You had to do your job.

THE ENDThanks for your attention