MODALS VERBS

MODALS VERBS

1. Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs, also called helping verbs, like can, will, could, shall, must, would, might, and should. After a modal verb, the root form of a verb is generally used.

2. Ability

   • We use can, be able to and could to show that someone has (or doesn’t have) an ability to do something.
     • (subject + modal + verb base form + C)
       • Modal auxiliary + subject + main verb + ... ?
         • Examples
           • Ana can sing like madonna.
             • Can she play guitar?
               • CAMILA FREIRE 3 BGU B

3. Permission

   • We use may, could and can to ask for and give permission.
     • modals verbs + subject + verb + complement + ?
       • Could I borrow your dictionary?

4. Request

   • We can use the verbs ‘can‘ ‘could‘ and 'would' to ask for something.
     • Can/Could + Subject + Verb+ C + ?
       • Can you pass the salt please?
         • Can is less polite than Could.
     • Would you mind + Verb + ING + C + ?
       • Would you mind closing the door?

5. Offers and suggestions

   • We use the modals of suggestion could and might to give someone ideas about possible plans or actions.
     • Subject + could/might + verb + complement
       • We could ask her to join us or we could go alone.
     • We only use might not (not could not) in negative suggestions.
       • You might not want to leave when is raining.

6. Obligation

   • They are must, have to, should and ought to. we Use ‘must’ and ‘have to’ to express a firm obligation or necessity, and we use ‘should’ and ‘ought to’ for a recommendation or moral obligation.
     • Subject+ modal(+)(-)+ verb + C.
       • You must see a doctor at once
       • You should stop smoking

7. Necessity

   • The modal verbs “must,” “have to” and “have got to” show that something is not optional; it is necessary.
     • Subject+ modal+ vrb bse form
       • She has to study tonight.
     • Do/Does/Did+ subject+ modal+ verb + C +?
       • Does she have to study tonight?

8. Prohibition

   • Must not and cannot (and their contracted forms mustn’t and can’t) convey the idea that something is not allowed or prohibited, often by law
     • Subject + can’t / must not + verb + C
       • You can’t wear a hat in class.
       • You must not use a cell phone.

9. Possibility

   • We use ‘may‘, ‘might‘ and ‘could‘ when we think that something is possible. Statements with ‘may’, ‘might’, and ‘could‘ can refer to past, present, or future possibilities.
     • Subject+ May / Might / Could + the verb (base form without ‘to’) + C
       • Look at Jack! He might be in a hurry to meet with Catherine.
       • Don’t eat that mushroom. It could be poisonous.

10. Criticism

    • Is used to express that something was advisable to do but was not done or that something was not advisable to do but was done.
      • Subject+ could, might, and should/shouldn't + verb infinitive + C
        • You should have asked me before you took the whole pie.

11. Advice

    • Are mainly used to give or ask for advice.
      • Subject + should/ shouldn't ought to had/’d better + verb infinitive + C
        • He should study more.

12. Deduction

    • We can use MUST, MAY, MIGHT, COULD and CAN'T to express how sure we are about something happening in the present or the future.
      • Subject + must/may/might/could + verb + C
        • She must study very hard because she gets really good marks.

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