MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

1. Do not work without another verb

2. they are the future and the conditional auxiliary verbs.

3. they express.

   • ability
   • necessity
   • other condition

4. they cannot function as a main verb

5. do not have time do not combine.

6. These are

   • would
     • declare a preference and to ask for something politely.
       • examples
         • Would you like some coffee?
         • Would you help me please?
   • shall
     • Used to form the future tense.
       • examples
         • Hellen shall be happy to see you.
         • I’ll take the 3 o’clock train.
     • offers and suggestions or to ask about options or preferences.
       • examples
         • Shall l we meet at 10pm?
         • Shall we go to the movies or a museum?
   • might
     • It indicates possibilities in the present or the future.
       • examples
         • I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
         • It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
   • could
     • indicates ability or possibility in the past.
       • examples
         • Peter could speak Spanish when he was Young.
         • It could have been worse.
     • possibilities in the future.
       • examples
         • I think it could rain later.
         • You could pass the test if you studied.
     • in interrogative sentences
       • you can request permission or ask about the possibilities
         • examples
           • Could you pass the salt please?
           • Could I be wrong?
   • ought to
     • synonym of should
       • examples
         • I ought to call my parents more often.
         • She ought to quit smoking
   • must/ have to
     • It indicates an obligation, prohibition or need
       • examples
         • You must [have to] read this book, it’s fantastic.
         • We must [have to] leave now or we will be late.
     • indicate probability or assume something.
       • examples
         • John’s not here. He must be sick because he never misses class.
         • It must be difficult to learn a new language as an adult.
     • rhetorical questions.
       • examples
         • Must you always be late?
         • Must she talk so much?
   • should
     • indicates an obligation or recommendation.
       • examples
         • You shouldn’t work so hard. (
         • should call my parents more often.
     • in interrogative sentences
       • ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a recommendation
         • examples
           • Should I have the steak or the chicken?
           • Where should they meet you?
   • will
     • is used to form the future tense.
       • means desire or determination.
         • examples
           • I will help you
           • We will learn English.
     • in interrogative sentences
       • request information, a favor or options.
         • examples
           • Will you help me move?
           • Will he go to Paris by car or train?
   • may
     • indicates possibilities in the future.
       • examples
         • It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
         • I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.
     • gives permission or instructions.
       • examples
         • You may leave if you like
         • You may use your cell phones now.
     • in interrogative sentences
       • examples
         • May I have a glass of water?
         • May I leave now?
   • can
     • indicates ability or possibility
       • examples
         • I can speak six languages.
         • We can work late tonight if you need us.
         • It can be dangerous to drive if you are tired.
     • In interrogative sentences.
       • you can request permission or ask about the possibilities.
         • Can you help me?
         • Can I have a glass of water?

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