Scribd
Upload
19 views

MODALS

Modals are used differently than normal verbs. They don't take an 's' for third person singular and are followed by the base form of the verb without 'to.' Modals are used to express abilities, possibilities, requests, permissions, obligations, prohibitions, suggestions, advice, and preferences. Common modals include can, could, may, might, must, should, and would.

Uploaded by

Mitzi Daniele Batista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
19 views

MODALS

Modals are used differently than normal verbs. They don't take an 's' for third person singular and are followed by the base form of the verb without 'to.' Modals are used to express abilities, possibilities, requests, permissions, obligations, prohibitions, suggestions, advice, and preferences. Common modals include can, could, may, might, must, should, and would.

Uploaded by

Mitzi Daniele Batista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

MODAL VERBS

Modals are different from normal verbs:

1: They don't use an ‘S' for the third person singular.


• She can work today.
• NOT – She can works today.
Exceptions:
2: They make questions by inversion • Ought to
• She can go home now. • Be able to
• Can she go home now?

3: They are followed directly by the BASE FORM of the verb (without 'to')
They should study more.
NOT: They should to study more. They all accept contractions except may and
might
4. Use not to make modal verbs negative.
✓ May not ✓ might not
She must not go now.
He could not help me. But: mustn’t wouldn’t
We may not go to the party. can’t shouldn’t, etc
couldn’t
FUNCTION MODAL EXAMPLE

ABILITY Can/be (am, is, are) able to (present) • She can dance very well.
Could/be (was,were) able to (past) • She was able to dance in the party.
• She could ride a bike when she was 4 years old
POSSIBILITY Will (100 %) • You will do well on your test. You have studied so hard!
Should 90%) • You should do well on your test. You are smart.
May/might ( less 50%) • You may do well on your test. (guess)
Can • The florist can deliver the flowers tomorrow.
May/might ( less than 50%) • Carol may come to the party. I’m not sure.
Could • We could give him a ride.
REQUEST Will • Will you help me to move on Saturday?
Can (Informal) • Can you help me?
Could • Could you help me with my homework?(possible)
Would (polite) • Would you lend me your pen, please?
PERMISSION Can (informal) • Can I leave earlier today?
Could • Could I have a glass of water?
May (formal) • May I go to the bathroom?
OBLIGATION Have to • They have to move soon.
NECESSITY Must • You must study more.
(There is no other
choice)

CONCLUSION Must (95%) • Sara must be right about the test.


FUNCTION MODAL EXAMPLE
PROHIBITION Mustn’t ( must not) • You mustn’t eat in the classroom.
NO Don’t/doesn’t have to • You don’t have to come to class tomorrow.
OBLIGATION
INVITATION Let’s (let us) • Let’s go to the movies on Saturday!
SUGGESTION Shall we/I? • Shall I order some food?
What about? • What about watching that movie?

Other Could We could go to the movies on Saturday.


suggestions Should You should talk to your teacher about your project.
ADVICE - Should (good idea) • You should visit London. It is so beautiful.
- Had better (strong advice, • You had better wear your mask.
negative consequences)
- Ought to (formal) • We ought to get there early.
PREFERENCE Would rather • I would rather stay home. (I’d rather)

You might also like