MODAL VERBS

1.- followed by a bare infinitive/ perfect infinitive

( past)ex:

It must be true

It must have been true

2.-no need for auxiliar

Can I phone him now?

3.- no –s for 3rd person singular

He must be here by six o’clock

CAN

• It’s used to express:

• ABILITY: She can play the piano very well

• REQUEST : Can I use you telephone?

• POSSIBILITY: I can tell you what you need

BE ABLE TO

• ABILITY ; for all the other tenses

• I was able to speak when I was 1 year.

• I will be able to speak French and English when I leave school.

CAN’T

• INABILITY: I can’t speak French

• PROHIBITION: You can’t use a calculator during the Maths test.

• DISBELIEF : That can’t be so expensive; my sister bought two yesterday.

COULD

• ABILITY IN THE PAST• I could run very fast when I was twelve years old• POLITE REQUEST:• Could you please open the window?• POLITE SUGGESTION:• You could exercise and eat healthier food• POSSIBILITY:• She could come and tell us everything

MAY/MIGHT

• POSSIBILITY• I may go to England this summer, perhaps my aunt is

going to invite me

MAY

• POLITE REQUEST:• May I go to the toilet, please?

WOULD

• FORMAL REQUEST• Would you open the door please?• OFFER• Would you like some coffe?

MUST

• OBLIGATION:• You must bring your books to class• CERTAINTY THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE/ strong

belief:• She has got a great job; she must be very happy

HAVE TO

• OBLIGATION, NECESSITY• I have to get the tickets today

NEED TO

• OBLIGATION, NECESSITY:• I need to cook dinner tonight

NEEDN’T/ DON’T HAVE TO

• LACK OF OBLIGATION/ NECESSITY• You don’t have to come to school on Wednesday

afternoon.• You needn’t bring anything to the party

MUSTN’T

• PROHIBITION:• You mustn’t speak during the exam

SHOULD / OUGHT TO

• ADVICE/OPINION:• You should improve your pronunciation• You shouldn’t have been to that party; you had an examn

the following day….

SHALL

• OFFER/SUGGESTION• Shall we go to the party?