MODAL VERBS

Modals are auxiliaries used with other verbs to express different functions. They don’t change
their tense, that’s why most of them cannot be used in the past or future. They are followed by an
infinitive without TO, except for “have to” and “ought to”. We use “not” to make modal verbs negative.

Modal Negative Form Function Example

Can Can’t Ability My sister can speak 5 languages.

Can Can’t Possibility (general) It can be very cold here in winter.

Can Can’t Request Can I ask you a question?

Could Couldn’t Past ability He could play the piano when he was 5.

Could Couldn’t Possibility He doesn’t reply. He could be sleeping.

Could Couldn’t Request (polite) Could I have a coffee, please?

*Have to Don’t have to Obligation All applicants have to take an English exam.

May May not Possibility He hasn’t come to class, he may be sick.

May May not Request (polite) May I borrow your pen, please?

Might Might not Possibility I haven’t seen him, he might be sick.

Must Mustn’t Obligation Students must wear a uniform at school.

Must Mustn’t Certainty It’s snowing. It must be very cold outside.

Need Needn’t Necessity I need to buy new glasses before the trip.

Should Shouldn’t Advice You should study harder if you want to pass.

Ought to **Ought not Advice You ought to stop smoking tobacco.

Would Wouldn’t Unreal situation What would you do if you won the lottery?

Would Wouldn’t Request (polite) Would you pass the salt, please?

Would Wouldn’t Offer Would you like some help?

*Have to: Is not an auxiliary but we include it for convenience.

**Ought not: Without TO  He ought not drink so much coffee.

Homework
1
Can  Ability  ____________________________________________________

Can  Request  ____________________________________________________

Can  Possibility  ____________________________________________________

Could  Past ability  ____________________________________________________

Could  Request  ____________________________________________________

Could  Possibility  ____________________________________________________

Have to  Obligation  ____________________________________________________

May  Possibility  ____________________________________________________

May  Request  ____________________________________________________

Might  Possibility  ____________________________________________________

Must  Obligation  ____________________________________________________

Must  Certainty  ____________________________________________________

Need  Necessity  ____________________________________________________

Should  Advice  ____________________________________________________

Ought to Advice  ____________________________________________________

Would  Unreal situation  _______________________________________________

Would  Request  ____________________________________________________

Would  Offer  ____________________________________________________