MODAL VERBS

Do not work without another verb
they are the future and the conditional auxiliary verbs.
they express.
1. ability
2. necessity
4. other condition
they cannot function as a main verb
do not have time do not combine.
These are
1. would
  1. declare a preference and to ask for something politely.
    1. examples
      1. Would you like some coffee?
      2. Would you help me please?
2. shall
  1. Used to form the future tense.
    1. examples
      1. Hellen shall be happy to see you.
      2. I’ll take the 3 o’clock train.
  2. offers and suggestions or to ask about options or preferences.
    1. examples
      1. Shall l we meet at 10pm?
      2. Shall we go to the movies or a museum?
3. might
  1. It indicates possibilities in the present or the future.
    1. examples
      1. I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
      2. It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
4. could
  1. indicates ability or possibility in the past.
    1. examples
      1. Peter could speak Spanish when he was Young.
      2. It could have been worse.
  2. possibilities in the future.
    1. examples
      1. I think it could rain later.
      2. You could pass the test if you studied.
  3. in interrogative sentences
    1. you can request permission or ask about the possibilities
      1. examples
        Could you pass the salt please?
        Could I be wrong?
5. ought to
  1. synonym of should
    1. examples
      1. I ought to call my parents more often.
      2. She ought to quit smoking
6. must/ have to
  1. It indicates an obligation, prohibition or need
    1. examples
      1. You must [have to] read this book, it’s fantastic.
      2. We must [have to] leave now or we will be late.
  2. indicate probability or assume something.
    1. examples
      1. John’s not here. He must be sick because he never misses class.
      2. It must be difficult to learn a new language as an adult.
  3. rhetorical questions.
    1. examples
      1. Must you always be late?
      2. Must she talk so much?
7. should
  1. indicates an obligation or recommendation.
    1. examples
      1. You shouldn’t work so hard. (
      2. should call my parents more often.
  2. in interrogative sentences
    1. ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a recommendation
      1. examples
        Should I have the steak or the chicken?
        Where should they meet you?
8. will
  1. is used to form the future tense.
    1. means desire or determination.
      1. examples
        I will help you
        We will learn English.
  2. in interrogative sentences
    1. request information, a favor or options.
      1. examples
        Will you help me move?
        Will he go to Paris by car or train?
9. may
  1. indicates possibilities in the future.
    1. examples
      1. It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
      2. I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.
  2. gives permission or instructions.
    1. examples
      1. You may leave if you like
      2. You may use your cell phones now.
  3. in interrogative sentences
    1. examples
      1. May I have a glass of water?
      2. May I leave now?
10. can
  1. indicates ability or possibility
    1. examples
      1. I can speak six languages.
      2. We can work late tonight if you need us.
      3. It can be dangerous to drive if you are tired.
  2. In interrogative sentences.
    1. you can request permission or ask about the possibilities.
      1. Can you help me?
      2. Can I have a glass of water?

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MODAL VERBS

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	Created by paola garcia over 9 years ago