Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

Auxiliary Verbs

provide additional and specific information to the main verb

Sentence structure

Subject + Modal V + Main V...

She can run very fast.

Characteristics

1. Does not change for the 3rd person singular

Can

Must

May

Should

Could

Examples

He can ski. ✔

2. Used in their infinitive form without the "to"

She must work. ✔

She to must work. ✘

He cans ski. ✘

3. They don't need other auxiliary verbs for their conjugation

Meanings

Single Concept Modal

Double Concept Modal

Past

Will

Might

Should

May

Must

Would

Should have

Could have

Would have