The modal verbs are a small class of auxiliary verbs used mostly to express modality (possibility, certainty, probability, doubt, certainty, permission and obligation). They do not have participle or infinitive forms and do not take the (e) s in the third person singular. Can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would are modal verbs.

1. Modal auxiliary verbs
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2.  Verbs which help other verbs to express a meaning
 Modal verbs have no meaning by themselves
 The verbs can, could, will, would, should, may,
might, must, ought and shall are modal auxiliary
verbs
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3.  There are several modal verbs which have
varying functions
 e.g. the verb, would – this verb can be used to
verbs express ideas about the past, present and the
future
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4.  Modal verbs are never used with other auxiliary verbs
 e.g.do, does, did
 Modal verbs never change form
 e.g. an “s” or “ed” is not added to a modal
verb
 Never followed by to, EXCEPT in “ought to”
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5.  Ideas of possibility, certainty, probability, doubt,
certainty, permission and obligation
 The above meanings are divided into two groups;
 Degrees of certainty: possibility, certainty, probability
 Obligation/Freedom to act: permission,ability and
obligation
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6. What are the functions, modal verbs help to
express?
 Shall is a form of will used mostly in the first
person (when making offers)
 e.g. Shall I fetch you another glass of wine?
 When making suggestions
 e.g. Shall we go the cinema tonight?
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7. Will
 Making personal predictions
 e.g. I don’t think he will attend the party
 Talking about the present with certainty
 e.g. I’m sure he will understand if you explain it to
him.
 Talking about the past with certainty
 e.g. I’m sure you will have understood the situation
well.
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8. Will…
 Reassuring someone
 e.g. Don’t worry! You will be alright by tomorrow.
 Making a decision
 e.g. I feel sleepy. I think I’ll stay at home wihtout
attending party.
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9. Will…
 Offering to do something
 e.g. I’ll arrange the passes for you.
 Making a semi-formal request
 e.g. Will you pass the dish, please?
 Making a promise
 e.g. I’ll be there at the restaurant at 7.00 p.m.
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10. May & Might
 Have almost the same meaning
 May – more sure – 50% chance
 Might -30% chance
 e.g. She may visit us tomorrow.
 May – talking about the present or future
with uncertainty
 e.g. She may return home at 7.00 p.m.
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11. Might…
 Talking about the past with uncertainty
 e.g. I’m surprised they didn’t win. They might have not
played well.
 Something was possible, yet it didn’t happen
 e.g. You heard me speaking! You might have spoken
to me.
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12. Can & Could
 Making requests
e.g. Can you send me a mail today?
Could you send me a mail today? (more polite)
 Asking permission
e.g. Can I ask you for a favor?
Could I ask you for a favor? (more polite)
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13.  Choice and opportunities
e.g. If you want free tickets for the concert, you can come
to the airport.
 General possibility
e.g. You can vote when you are 18.
 Reported speech
Could is used as the past of can.
 e.g. He asked me if I could help him.
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14.  Talking about ability
e.g. Can you drive?
 Present possibility
e.g. I think he could be right . I am sure everybody will
disagree.(NOT can)
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15.  Past possibility
e.g. If I'd known that the flight had been delayed, I
could have gone to the airport a few hours later.
 Future probability
Could often indicates something less definite
e.g. When I complete my Bachelors Degree, I could
get a good job.
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16. Would
 As the past of will (in Indirect Speech)
e.g.“My sister’s wedding will be in two month’s time”.
(Direct Speech)
She said her sister’s wedding would be in two month’s
time. (Indirect Speech)
 Polite requests and offers
e.g. Would you like another cup of coffee?
.
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 In conditionals, to indicate 'distance from
reality':
e.g. If I had a lot of money, I would give it on charity.
Talking about past habits
e.g. When we were small, we would go to the beach
everyday.
 Future in the past
e.g. Her book would be a bestseller.

18.  To show regret or irritation over someone or
something
 e.g. I wish he wouldn’t bother me with more mails.
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19.  Strong advice and invitations
I think you must study hard.
You must visit me when you come to Michigan.
 Saying you think something is certain
This must be her house, I am sure.
Necessity and obligation (personal obligation)
 I must attend the party tonight.

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20.  Giving advice
 I think you should go to Boston during the weekend and see
your parents.
 Obligation
 The university should provide more library facilities.
 Ought to
 Has almost the same meaning as should
I thin you ought to (should) attend classes.
.
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21.  Giving advice
I think you should go to Boston during the weekend
and see your parents.
Obligation
The university should provide more library facilities.
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22. Thank you!
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