life

life

Modal verbs

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What are modal verbs?

Modal verbs also called auxiliaries . ( Auxiliary verbs )

ü  They give additional information about the function of the

 main verb that follows it.

ü  They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...

ü  They are always followed by an infinitive without "to"

Modal verbs :

Can,could,may,might,will,would,should,must, have to

Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:

1.    Permission

2.    Ability

3.    Obligation

4.    Prohibition

5.    Advice

6.    possibility

7   probability

Here is a list of modal verbs with examples:

Modal Verb	Expressing	Example
can	ability	I can swim.
	permission	Can I use your phone please?
	possibility	Smoking can cause cancer.
could	ability in the past	When I was younger I could run fast.
	polite permission	Excuse me, could I just say something?
	possibility	It could rain tomorrow!
may	permission	May I use your phone please?
	possibility, probability	It may rain tomorrow!
might	polite permission	Might I suggest an idea?
	possibility, probability	I might go on holiday to Miami next year.
must must not	obligation	You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
	prohibition	You must not smoke in the hospital.
should	advice	You should learn your lessons
Have to	obligation	You have to learn your lessons.