MODAL VERBS

MICHELLE MACHADO
MODAL VERBS
Modal verb are auxiliary verbs that, unlike the
auxiliary verb “be, do y have”, cannot function as
principal verbs.

Modal verb express modality, ability,

possibility, necessity, probability, obligation
or other conditions. They are auxiliary verbs
used forming the future and conditional.

The modal verbs are:

Can- Could- May- Might- Will
Shall- Should- Ought to- Must
Would
 USE
S
Can Could
Meaning: to be able to; indicates ability or possibility Meaning: past tense of “can”, indicates ability or
possibility in the past
Examples:
Examples:
I can speek five languages.
Joe could speek spanish when he was Young.
We can work late tonight if you need us.
I couldn’t sleep last night.
Bill and Tom can’t help you.
Could you play and instrument when you were a
In interrogative sentences, we use “can” to ask child?
permission (informally) or to ask about possibilities. “Could” is also used for possibilities in the future.
Examples: Examples:
Can I have a glass of water? You could pass the test if you studied.
Can you help me? I think it could rain later.
 May Might

Meaning: used to indicate possibilities in the future Meaning: synonym of “may”, indicates

Examples: possibilities in the present or future
I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later. Examples:
It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
until tomorrow.
It might be better to finish now, rather than
“May” is also used to give permission or instructions. wait until tomorrow.
Examples:
“Might” can also by used like “may” to ask
You may leave if you like. permission, but this is much more common is
You may use your cell phones now. British English than in American English.
In interrogative sentences, “may” is the most polite
way to ask permission (as opposed to “can” or
“could”).
Examples:
May I have a glass of water?
May I leave now?
 Will Shall
Meaning: used to express willingness or consent. Meaning: used, like “will”, to express the future.
As we Will see in later lessons, “will” is used to form The use of “shall” is much more common in British
the future tense. English and is generally considered more polite.
Examples: Examples:
 I Will help you.  Chris shall be happy to see you.
 We Will learn English.  I’ll take the 3 ó clock train.
“Will” is used in interrogative sentence to ask for We also use “shall” for offers or to make suggestions or
information, a favor or opinión. to ask about opinions or preferences.
Examples: Examples:
 Will they find a cure for cancer?  Shall we meet at 10pm?
 Will you help me move?  Shall we go to the movies or a museum?
 Will he go to Paris by car or train?
 Should Ought to

Meaning: indicates a recommendation or obligation Meaning: synonym of “should” although it is

or reflects an opinion about what is right or correct less common.
Examples: Examples:
 I should call my parents more often. She ought to quit smoking.
 You shouldn’t work so hard. I ought to call my parents more often.
 They should practice more if they want to win the
They ought to work less.
championship.
“Should” is used in interrogative sentences to ask if
there is an obligation or to ask for a
recommendation.
Examples:
 Should we leave a tip?
 Should I have the steak or the chicken?
 Where should they meet you?
 Must
“Must” indicates an obligation, prohibition (when in Examples:
the negative) or necessity; it is a synonym of “have to”
 John’s not here. He must be sick because he never
in affirmative sentences.
misses class.
Examples:
 It must be difficult to learn a new lenguage as an
 You must read this book, it’s fantastic. adult.
 You must brush your teeth two times a day. “Must” can also be used in rhetorical questions.
 We must leave now or we will be late. Examples:
 When must we meet you?  Must you always be late?
We also use “must” for propability or assumptions.  Must she talk so much?
 Would

Meaning: past tense of “will”; indicates

preference, desire, or intention
Examples:
She would like to go to New York someday.
I would like a beer and my wife would like
glass of wine please.
 Would you like some coffee?
Would you help me please?
When would you like to go to the movies?