Modal verbs

Modal verbs

1. Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that cannot function as the main verb. these give more meaning to other verbs.

   • These are very specific verbs since they follow very strict rules and are also used in certain conditions.

2. Rules for modals verbs:

   • 1) Infinitives are placed after each modal verb but without "TO"
     • I can play Football.
     • 2) Modal verbs do not accept S in the third person singular
       • She can take the children with her to his house
       • 3) Modal Verbs do not change their form according to verb tense. That is, they have no form in the past or in the future.
         • 4) We use Manners in negative sentences in the same way that we do with other auxiliary verbs, without the word DO, that is, the way to use them: ? + Modal verb + Not + infinitive verb.
           • He oughtn´t smoke in public.
           • Some verbs have contractions in their negative form, these are used informally. for example:
             • Must= must not = mustn't Might= Might not= mightn't May = May not, there is no contraction here. Can = can not = can't. Could=could not=couldn't Will= Will not = Won't. Would= Would not= Wouldn't. Shall=shall not=Shan't. Should=Should not= Shouldn't.
           • 5) With interrogative phrases, the modal verbs are used the same as other auxiliary verbs: Modal Verb + Subject + Verb + complement
             • Can they help you with your work?

3. Possibility

   • "Might" can be used to express possibility. It is used for the low possibility
     • I might go to the beach tomorrow
   • "May" can also be used to talk about possibility, this is used for a high possibility
     • She may be right
   • "Must" can be used to express probability or to perform, logical assumptions.
     • You must call her tomorrow.
   • Can is used to suggest a possibility or give an option.
     • I can have a party
   • "could" is also used to express possibility and impossibility like the previous ones
     • She could be here

4. Permission

   • "May" to ask for permission. Using when requesting permission can be considered quite formal.
     • May I smoke here?
   • "Can" can also be used to ask for permission, this can be a little more informal.
     • Can I open the window?
   • "Could" can also be used for permission
     • He said he could get that ticket for me.

5. Need

   • Must is also used to express need
     • Must she stay awake?

6. Prohibition

   • Mustn't we use it to indicate that something should not be done because it is prohibited
     • You mustn’t make noise. The children are sleeping

7. Promise and provision

   • Will can be used to make promises or to show disposition. Similarly, it can be used to ask courteously.
     • Will you help me with this?
   • Shall can be used to make promises, the same is used for confirmation.
     • You shall be the first person to know.

8. Invitation

   • "Would is used to make invitations or express wishes or tastes.
     • I would like a cup of coffee?

9. Ability

   • "Can" is used to express ability.
     • I can speak Russian and Japanese
   • Could is used for a past skills
     • I could do trigonometry five years ago.

10. recommendation and advice

    • Should be used to recommend, used to express what is right to do, also expresses an uncertainty
      • You should try this new bar.

11. Obligation

    • 'Have to' is used to express any obligation, although it is weaker than must
      • He has to work everyday.
    • Must is an auxiliary verb that is used accompanied by an infinitive verb to express obligation
      • You must respect older people

Images and files in the map