2. a verb (such as can, could, shall, should, ought to, will, or
would) that is usually used with another verb to express
ideas such as possibility, necessity, and permission
Definition:
Ex: I must go to the gym
5. Functions
● They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed",
"ing"...
● They are always followed by an infinitive without "to"
(e.i. the bare infinitive.)
● They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to
express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation,
necessity, ability
6. Can - could
May - might
Will - would
Shall - should
Must - had to
7. Grammar for modal verbs
Possibility in the present
Modal verbs + infinitive
Possibility in the past
Modal verbs + have + Past
participle
8. Can
It can get really cold in
winter in here
She can speak Spanish
really well
Can I borrow your pen?
Can you help me with
something?
That can’t be a banana,
it’s red!
Express possibility
Ability
Asking for permission
Making a request
Certainty
9. Could
Example:
I could play tennis when I
was younger. Ability
Could you take me to
Victoria station? Request
You could take a taxi.
Suggestion
10. May
Probability
Give permission
Ask for permission
(Maria is going to come to
my house)She may be in the
wrong building
Where was Maria last
night? She may have felt
ill
You may leave the table
when you finish your
dinner
May I borrow your pen?
