Modal
Verbs
Main Features
They are: Can Could MayMight Must Shall NeedShould Will Would Ought to
They are Auxiliary verbs that provide additional and specific meaning to the main verb of the sentence
You mustnt skate hereModal verbs are sometimes referred to as Modal
Auxiliary verbs because they help other verbs
How do we use modals?
They do not accept conjugationThey do not need other auxiliary verbs
Form
There is no s in singularThere is no do / does in the questionThere is no dont / doesnt in the negative
He can ski He cans ski or He can skisWould you like to come with me?Do you would like to come with me?They cant be serious
They dont can be serious
Modal verbs do not have infinitives or ing formsto can / caning to must /musting
Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without toShe must studyWe should have gone the other wayHe could play football in his youth (general ability)
Modal verbs do not have all the tensesModal verbs use other verbs to complete the tenses
Can is completed with be able toMust is completed with have to
They can play the piano They will be able to play the piano in the futureYou had to come early yesterdayYou must come early
What do they express?
They can have more than one meaning depending on the situations Possible meanings: obligation, permission, ability, prediction, advice,..
Modal Concept Examples
Can
MustMustnt
Present Ability
Permission
Possibility
ObligationProhibition
We can speak English
Can I have a sweet?
Be careful, you can break it
Everyone must pay taxesYou mustnt run along the
swimmingpool
C a n
M u s t