WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MODAL VERBS

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Modal verbs


This is a slight view to what is necessary to know about MODAL VERBS.

Features, classification, functions, examples and of course... EXERCISES.

DOWN ON IT THEN!!

MODALS TUTORIAL

What are modal verbs?

Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.
Here is a list of modal verbs:

can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must

The verbs or expressions dare, ought to, had better, and need not behave like modal auxiliaries to a large extent and my be added to the above list

Use of modal verbs:

Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
  1. Permission
  2. Ability
  3. Obligation
  4. Prohibition
  5. Lack of necessity
  6. Advice
  7. possibility
  8. probability

Examples of modal verbs

Here is a list of modals with examples:
Modal VerbExpressingExample
mustStrong obligationYou must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
logical conclusion / CertaintyHe must be very tired. He's been working all day long.
must notprohibitionYou must not smoke in the hospital.
canabilityI can swim.
permissionCan I use your phone please?
possibilitySmoking can cause cancer.
couldability in the pastWhen I was younger I could run fast.
polite permissionExcuse me, could I just say something?
possibilityIt could rain tomorrow!
maypermissionMay I use your phone please?
possibility, probabilityIt may rain tomorrow!
mightpolite permissionMight I suggest an idea?
possibility, probabilityI might go on holiday to Australia next year.
need notlack of necessity/absence of obligationI need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty of tomatoes in the fridge.
should/ought to50 % obligationI should / ought to see a doctor. I have a terrible headache.
adviceYou should / ought to revise your lessons
logical conclusionHe should / ought to be very tired. He's been working all day long.
had betteradviceYou 'd better revise your lessons

Remember

Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", also called the bare infinitive.

Examples:

  • You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
  • You should see to the doctor.
  • There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. You need not buy any.

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