5. I. DEFINITION
MODAL VERBS
A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb
that is used to indicate modality-that is
likelihood, ability, permission, possiblity,...
Two of my friends
can play guitar
(ability)
6. MODAL VERBS
LIST OF MODAL VERBS
Can
Could
May
Might
Will
Would
Shall
Should
Ought to
Must
7. Subject Modal verb Main verb Complement
I
We
They
You
He
She
It
must
can
should
may
will
go to sleep.
drink some water.
eat some food.
do some exercise.
Use the base form or INFINITIVE of
the main verbs after the modal verbs.
II. STRUCTURE
8. MODAL VERBS
a. Modal verbs do not add s or es to the
third person singular.
He can swim. He cans swim.
9. MODAL VERBS
HOW TO USE
CAN
Use Example
Ability / Possibility They can control their own work.
Impossibility We can’t fix it.
Asking for permission Can I live here?
Request Can you help me?
10. MODAL VERBS
COULD
Use Example
permission Could I borrow your dictionary?
Request Could you say it again more slowly?
possibility I think we could have another tea.
Future I wish Rody could meet me next week.
Ability He gave up his old job so he could
work for us.
14. MODAL VERBS
OUGHT TO
Use Example
Saying what’s right or correct
She ought to finish the project by next week.
15. MODAL VERBS
SHALL
Use Example
Offer Shall I help you with your luggage?
Suggestion Shall we say 2.30 then?
Permission Shall I do that or will you?
16. MODAL VERBS
III. USAGE
SHOULD
Use Example
Saying what’s right or correct
We should solve this problem.
Possibility Fees should decrease next year.
17. MODAL VERBS
WILL
Use Example
decisions I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk
Offer I'll do that for you if you like.
Promise I’ll come back on Monday.
18. MODAL VERBS
III. USAGE
WOULD
Use Example
permission Would you mind if I brought a
friend with me?
Request Would you mind waiting a moment?
Invitation Would you like to play basketball this Friday?
19. M I G H T
S H O U L D
C O U L D
S H A L L
W I L L
M U S T
