MODAL VERBS

We use modal verbs for:

1. Permission
2. Ability
3. Obligation
4. Prohibition
5. Advice
6. Possibility/probability
7. Conditionals

 

 

Modal	Meaning	Example
can	to express ability	I can speak a little English.
can	to request permission	Can I have a drink of water, please?
may	to express possibility	I may miss the train.
May	to request permission	May I wash my hands, please?
May	To express probability	He may win the race at this rate.
must	to express obligation	I must study more.
must	to express strong belief	She must be very wealthy.
should	to give advice	You should do more exercise.
would	to request or offer	Would you like a cup of tea?
would	in if-sentences	If I were you, I would take a break.
could	To express past ability	I could swim when I was 6 years old.
could	To express possibility	It could be a good idea.
Might	To express possibility	It might help you find a job.

 

There are two types of modal verb:

1. BARE INFINITIVE. We normally use the bare infinitive (verb without to) after the modal. For instance: I should study more. I can play the flute.
2. FULL INFINITIVE. We sometimes use the mull infinitive. For example: I ought to go. I have to learn more vocabulary to become fluent.

 

Modal perfect: talking about an unreal past

MODAL VERB + HAVE + PARTICIPLE

I should have learnt English as a child = I didn´t learn English as a child

You might have told me that you were going to be late = You didn´t tell me

He could have listened to the instructions = He didn´t listen to the instructions

 

Modal verbs are very easy to use and they are used as the aixiliary in a question, like:

Can you show me the way to the beach?

Must we do all the exercises for homework?

 

It is important to understand that there are similar expressions that are synonyms or have a very similar meaning to some modal verbs.

Can (ability) = be able to, be capable of, know how to

May (permission) = be permitted, be allowed, let, be ok, might, could, be able to

Must (obligation) = be required, be essential, have to, be obliged, be obligatory

CAN´T (prohibition) = mustn´t, be forbidden, be prohibited, be against the rules / not be able to etc.

Should (advice) = be advisable, be recommended, be a good idea, ought to. had better

NEEDN´T (lack of necessity) = not have to, not need to, not be necessary

 

For extra practice with modal verbs, click HERE