MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

1. What are modal verbs?

   • Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that cannot function as a verb main, unlike the auxiliary verbs "be", "do" and "have" that can work as a main verb. Modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, need or other condition. We use them for the future and the conditional. Like verbs Complementary that they are, modal verbs do not work without another verb. This other verb always comes after the modal verb and is in the base form (the infinitive without "To"). Modal verbs are not conjugated and they do not have time.

2. The characteristics of modal verbs

   • There are 4 properties or characteristics in modal verbs:
     • 1. They never conjugate.
     • 2. They change or transform the verbs, that is, always after using a modal verb, the verb must be in its infinitive mode (without the “to”), for example: You can read better
     • 3. Express need, probability, ability, ability, suggestions or advice; permission, request; obligation, certainty or disposition.
     • 4. When the modal verbs in English are in negative or interrogative form they do not need an auxiliary, since the verb is used with that objective; for example: I can't dance. Can you sing?

3. What are the 10 modal verbs?

   • 1.Can
   • 2.May
   • 3.Will
   • 4.Must
   • 5. Should
   • 6. Could
   • 7. Might
   • 8. Would
   • 9. Shall
   • 10. Ought to

4. EXamples the modal verbs

   • Can
     • Its meaning depends on what you want to say. You can use it to express some possibility or request, or to say that you are qualified or qualified for something.
       • ability or possibility
         • -I’m sure I can swim that far.
       • ask permission or ask about the possibility of something.
         • Can I have some water, please?
       • In negative
         • He can’t speak of my nervousness
   • May
     • It is a variation of the verb "can", but it is a more formal modal verb. If you want to ask permission, this is a good way. With it you can count or establish a possibility.
       • Examples
         • He may come later
         • May I speak now?
   • Might
     • It is also a variation or synonym of the verb "may", and its use will vary in context. Essentially, your translations are maybe, could, or could.
       • Examples
         • You might as well try to open and get in the car
         • He might come tonight.
   • Will
     • It is used to express something that we should do, wait, etc. in a future time. Its translation will depend a lot on the context and the verb.
       • Future assistant
         • I will buy it
       • Courteous requests and invitations
         • Will you come with me?
       • Willpower
         • I will do it
   • Must
     • Express need or strong suggestion. In addition, it implies that you can come to suppose about something.
       • Obligation
         • I must work
       • Assumption or deduction
         • She must be hungry
       • Prohibition
         • You mustn't kill
   • Should
     • It is used more when giving advice, making or asking for suggestions, opinions and actions, or to generate a certain level of expectation for something in the future.
       • Give advice
         • You should study
       • Conditional assistant in 1st person singular and plural
         • We should work
       • Duty or obligation mitigated
         • I should sleep
   • Could
     • This modal verb becomes the past form of “can”. Its meaning is the same, but the verb tense expresses something that has already happened, or is also used to provide alternatives.
       • Examples
         • We could meet up today.
           • Could you call your mom, please?
   • Shall
     • This is a not very common verb because it is formal. Its meaning is like that of the verb "will", it expresses something in relation to what can happen.
       • Future with the 1st person singular and plural
         • I shall go
       • Suggestions and offers
         • Shall we enter?
   • Ought to
     • It is not very often that you come across this verb. However, its meaning is similar to that of "should".
       • Give advice or recommendations
         • You ought not to drive fast
       • Assumption or deduction
         • He ought to be at home