Modal Verbs

Can May Might Will

- Modals never change in form or end in –s or –ed.

- I can play tennis.- The simple form of another verb comes after a

modal in a full sentence.e.g. I can swim. You might get sick. I will read this book tomorrow.

Statements with Modals - Modals come before the simple form of a

verb.I can swim.

-Don’t use to before the verb .The rain may stop soon .

-Will can appear in short forms.She’ll call you tonight

I’ll = I will, she’ll = she will, you’ll = you will

Negative Statements

Can >>> Can’tWill >>> Won’tMay >>> May notMight >>> Might not

May not and might not cannot appear in contractions

Yes/no Questions with Modals

• Modals come before the subject.• Yes, I can go with you. No, I can’t • Can you go with me?

• Might it rain tomorrow?• Yes, it might.

Information questions

• The modals come before the subject.

- They will go to school Where will they go?- Carlos may visit us. Who may visit us? - Hiroshi may not stay. Who may not stay?

Meanings

• Can: ability or inability

I can speak English. He can’t play tennis. Can you swim?

• May/ Might: future possibility

It may rain. I might not go out.

• Will: future plans/ predictions I’ll see you tomorrow. Will you buy a tent?The shop won’t be crowded.