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What are the modal verbs?

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modal verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that, unlike the auxiliary verbs "to be", "to do", "to have" cannot function as main verbs. Modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, necessity, probability, obligation, or other conditions. They are auxiliary verbs used for forming the future and conditional

As complementary verbs, modal verbs cannot function without other verbs. The principal verb is always found after the modal verb and in the base form (infinitive). Modal verbs are not conjugated and have no tenses.

The modal verbs are:

might

should

shall

can

will

could

may

would

must / have to

c a n

To be able to; indicates ability or possibility

I can lead a staff of a hundred people We can stay a bit more if you need us to help you. Susan and Jane can't go to the company's Picnik day. The restaurant can be expensive if you are going to drink a lot of wine. It can be a high risk to drive if you have been drinking

In interrogative sentences we use "can" to ask permission (informally), or to ask about possibilities Can I have a glass of wine, please? Can we go now? Can they give us a hand?

c o u l d

Past tense of "can", indicates ability or possibility in the past. Nevertheless, "could" has a few more uses: - Possibilities in the future - As a conditional - To ask permission in a formal way

Past: - Mary could read pretty fast when she was younger - We couldn't sleep last night - They couldn't win the championship last season. Possibilities in the future: - She thinks it could rain tomorrow. - I could take you to college next week. - We could visit you next year As a conditional: - If it rains a lot, it could flood - She could go to college if she takes the test.

As with “can” in interrogative sentences, “could” requests permission or asks about the possibilities, but in a more formal sense. - Could you pass the salt, please? - Could I be wrong? - Could you help him, please?

m a y

We use "may" to show possibilities in the future. Furthermore, we can use "may" to give permission or instructions.

Possibilities: - You better bring an umbrella, it may rain later. - It may be better to finish this work now, rather than wait until tomorrow. - I may not see you every day this semester. Instructions and permission: - You may leave when you finish the test, you don't have to wait for your classmates. - You may use your cell phones to perform this task

May is the most polite way to ask permission: - May I have a glass of water, please? - May you help her with the task, please? - May we hand you the report tomorrow?

m i g h t

Might is synonymous with may, we use it for possibilities in the present and for the future.

MIGHT is also used to ask permission, but mostly in British English - Might he lend us the money which we need? - Might she take care of the children Friday night?

Possibilities: - You better bring an umbrella, it MIGHT rain later. - It MIGHT be better to finish this work now, rather than wait until tomorrow. - I MIGHT not see you every day this semester.

w i l l

This verb is used to express willingness or consent. And of course to form the future tense.

- I will help you with that tomorrow, today I'm pretty busy - They will go to the cinema if it doesn't rain tonight - She will work the day shift

In interrogative sentences, we use "will" to ask for information, a favor, or an opinion. - Will they find the cure for cancer? - Will you help me move this couch? - Will he go to Paris by train or car?

S h a l l

Shall is a much more polite way to express the future. It is more common in British English. Its short form is the same as will: "you will go - you'll go, you shall go- you'll go"

- Tom shall be so happy to see you, he's been looking for your visit - I shall take the 4 o'clock bus to Boston - They shall study for the exam this weekend.

We use "shall" for offers, to make suggestions, or to ask about opinions or preferences. - Shall we meet at 10 p.m? - Shall we go to the movies or a museum?

S h o u l d

With "should" we are indicating a recommendation, an obligation or an opinion about what is correct or right.

- I should call my parents more often - We should stay quiet while the teacher is talking - You should talk to her before making a decision. - They think we should go first

In interrogative sentences, we use "should" to ask if there is an obligation, or to ask for a recommendation. - Should we tip the waitress? - Should I take English or Italian classes? - Where should they meet you?

M u s t / h a v e t o

Must indicate us an obligation, necessity, or prohibition when in the negative. Must is a synonym of "have to" in affirmative sentences

- You must read this book, it's great (have to) - I must go to the movies again, I loved that movie. (have to) - We must work hard if we want that promotion (have to) - You must not drink alcohol and drive.

Must also is used for probabilities, or assumptions, ad in rhetorical questions. Probabilities, or assumptions: - John was not at work today, he must be sick to skip work, he is so responsible. - It must be tough to work at night Rhetorical questions: - Must she talk so loud? - Must you always be late?

W o u l d

Would is the past tense of "will", it indicates a preference, desire, or intention.

- I would like a beer, and my wife would like a glass of wine, please. - She would like to travel around the world, so she is saving every penny she gets - When would you like to go to the movies? - Would you like a piece of cake or a slice of pizza? - Would you mind if I borrow your pen?

"Would" is used to form a conditional - I would travel around the world if I won the lottery. If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. - If Rachel had more time, she would learn to play the guitar. Rachel would learn to play the guitar if she had more time.

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La teacher Naty