short explanation about modal verbs

1. MODAL VERBS
 They are auxiliary verbs that provide additional and specific meaning to the main
verb of the sentence
 Modal verbs are sometimes referred to as modal auxiliary verbs because they help
other verbs
 More common: can, may, might, should, must, have to, would, shall
How do we use modals?
S M V
Subject Verb
V
Example: Mary could play the piano
 They don’t accept conjugation
 They don’t need other auxiliary verbs
Form
 There is no “s” in singular He can ski
 There is no “do / does” in the question Would you like to come with me?
 There is no “don’t / doesn’t” in the negative They can’t be serious
 Modal verbs do not have infinitives or –ing forms
 Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without to I can swim
 Modal verbs do not have all the tenses
What do they mean?
 They can have more than one meaning depending on the situations
Ex: I can play the piano. – Ability
Can I go out tonight? – Permission