Modal verbs

Modal verbs

Modal verbs meaning:

Modal verbs are a part of the larger category called auxiliary verbs which are verbs that cannot be used on their own. They provide additional information about the main verbs that follows them.

Modal verbs are used to express ability, obligation, permission, assumptions, probability, possibility, requests, offers, advice, etc. Each modal verb can have more than one meaning, depending on the context of that sentence (or question).

Here is a list of modal verbs:

can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must

The verbs or expressions dare, ought to, had better, and need not behave like modal auxiliaries to a large extent and may be added to the above list.

Characteristics of modal verbs:

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

⬥They are always followed by another verb in the base form (= without "to" = the bare infinitive)

⬥They are used to express modality like - certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability, etc.

⬥We don’t use them to form “Do” questions/negatives

Use of modal verbs:

Modal verbs are used to express additional information such as:

● possibility

● probability

● permission

● ability

● obligation

● prohibition

● lack of necessity

● advice

● request

● offer

Modal verbs structure:

Modal verbs are followed by another verb in base form. They don’t change form in the third person. See the structure:

Subject + modal verb + main verb (base form)

Examples:

I can play the piano. (NOT: I can to play the piano.)

She can play the guitar. (NOT: She cans play the guitar.)

He can play the violin. (NOT: He can plays the violin.)

Modal verbs in negative sentence:

Subject + modal verb + not + main verb (base form)

Contractions with modal verbs are possible:

I cannot speak Italian. = I can’t speak Italian.

You must not steal. = You mustn’t steal.

She should not be late. = She shouldn’t be late.

Modal verbs in questions:

Modal verb + subject + main verb (base form)

May I help you?

Can I borrow this book?

Would you like ice cream?

Modal verbs in tag questions and answers:

She can come with us, can’t she?

Yes, she can. / No, she can’t.

I must pay the bill, mustn’t I?

 Yes, I must. / No, I mustn’t.

He should be careful with this vase, shouldn’t he?

Yes, he should. / No, he shouldn’t.

Modal verbs in questions with question word:

Who/what/when/where/why…+ modal verb + subject + main verb (base form)

What can she play?

Who must be careful?

Who should not be late?

Read more about uses of modal verbs:

CAN - COULD

MAY - MIGHT

WILL 
WOULD

SHALL

SHOULD

MUST (+ Must vs. Have to)

Other expressions which behave as modals and substitute them:

DARE

OUGHT TO

HAD BETTER

NEED 

BE ABLE TO