English Grammar: Modal Verbs

All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike other auxiliary verbs modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the main verb in a sentence.

Modal Can

Example They can control their own budgets. We cant fix it./ You cant be hungry again! Can I smoke here? Can you help me? Could I borrow your dictionary?

Uses Ability / Possibility Inability / Impossibility Asking for permission Request Asking for permission. Request Suggestion Future possibility Ability in the past Asking for permission Future possibility Present possibility Future possibility

Could Could you say it again more slowly? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could have another Gulf War. He gave up his old job so he could work for us. May I have another cup of coffee? May China may become a major economic power. We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now. They might give us a 10% discount. We must say good-bye now. Must They mustnt disrupt the work more than necessary. ( must is used only in the present, in the past we use HAD TO) That must be painful Have to We have to study for the final exams She doesnt have to get up early on Saturdays Shall I help you with your luggage? Shall Shall we say 2.30 then? Shall I do that or will you? We should sort out this problem at once. Should I think we should check everything again. Profits should increase next year. Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Recommending action Uncertain prediction Saying whats right or correct Suggestion Asking what to do Saying whats right or correct Prohibition When you are sure about something Necessity / Obligation Lack of obligation Offer

Might

Necessity / Obligation

Note : The modal auxiliary verbs are always followed by the base form (INFINITIVE).

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

You run faster if you weren't so lazy. You leave the class before 1 o'clock. You behave well in front of guests. Stop being silly. You look tired. You have some sleep. You failed in your final test. You have studied harder. I borrow your pen? We watch TV so much. We not climb those mountains when we were kids. The project be finished in two years time. Stop smoking! You really not smoke. Sami lift that heavy table. He is too weak. Muneera come to the party, but nobody is sure.