MODAL VERBS

Uses or functions

PROBABILITYOWe use these modal verbs

when we want to make a guess about something:OMustOMightOCouldOMayOCan

We choose the verb depending on how sure we

are

I am waiting for Julie with another friend, David.

I ask: “Where is Julie?”David guesses:

She must be on the busShe might come soonShe could be lostShe may be in the wrong classroomShe can’t still be at home

ABILITYOWe use CAN and COULD to

talk about a skill or an abilityOGeneral ability: This is

something that once you have learned you can do anytime you want

OSpecific ability: This is something you can or can’t do in a particular situation

OBLIGATION & ADVICE

OUse MUST, SHOULD, or OUGHT TO to say when something is necessary (or unnecessary) or to give advice.OStudents must do their

homeworkOWe ought to wear a uniform at

workOYou should stop smoking

PERMISSIONOWe can use verbs such as CAN and

MAY to ask for and give permissionOMay I leave early today?OCan we swim in the pool?

OWe also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.OYou may not use the computer

tonightOYou cannot leave your clothes on

the floor

HABITS

OWe use WILL or WOULD to talk about things we usually do or things we did in the past

OShe would always play the piano after everyone else was in bed

O If I have fun at school, I will always go to class

RULES

OModal verbs are auxiliary verbs because they are NOT complete. The can only be used WITH other verbs

OYou can a computerOYou CAN USE a computer

They are different from other verbs

OThey don’t use an “s” for the third person singular

OHe singsOHe cans singOHe can sing

There is no “do/does” or “don’t/doesn’t”

ODo you would like to come with me?

OWould you like to come with me?

OThey don’t can be seriousOThey can’t be serious

Modal verbs do not have infinitives; they are followed directly by the

infinitive of another verb

DON’T USE “TO” WITH THEM!!!

O She can to speak French.O She can speak French

They make questions by inversion

OShe can go with me to see a movie?

OCan she go with me to see a movie?

According to modal verbs’ functions,

look at the images and create your own sentences!