Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs are verbs that go before other verbs. They include can, could, may, must, will, shall. They don't take an -s, -ing, -ed suffix. They cannot be used in all the tenses, for exampple the modal verb must only appears in the present simple. Modal verbs are always followed by the root form of another verb.
Can / Could
Eric is ten years old. He can read and write. (Now)
When Eric was ten months old, he couldn't read or write, but he could play with his toys. (Then)
The modal verb can in the present simple shows that the ability to do something.
The verb can is the same in all persons in the singular and in theplural and is always followed by a verb.
We use can:
We use can:
- to show ability: I can sing.
- to ask somebody to do something for us: Can you help me with my homework, please?
- to ask for something: Can I have a pice of cake, please?
- to ask for permission to do something: Can I play on the computer, please?
In the past simple it becomes could and shows that someone had the ability to do something in the past.
We form questions by putting can or could before the subject:
Can she dance well? / Could she dance well?
In the present simple the modal verb must shows that it is necessary for someone to do something. It expresses necessity. It is followed by the root form of the verb.
We form questions by putting must before the subject. We form negations by putting the word not after must. Must't shows that it is wrong to do something. It expresses prohibition.
Students: Must we write a composition?
Teacher: No, you needn't write a composition.
The modal verb needn't shows that it isn't necessary to do something. It expresses a lack of necessity. It is followed by the root form of the verb.
We use must:
We use mustn't
Mustn't means "it is forbidden" or "it isn't right".
You mustn't park here. (= It is forbidden to park here, it is against the rules.)
We use needn't:
Needn't means "it isn/t necessary to do something"
You needn't feed the dog. I will do it. (= It isn't necessary for you to do it.)
Shall / Will
We use the modal verb shall to express an offer.
Shell I help you water the flowers.
We use the modal verb will to ask someone to do something for us (request)
Mum, will you buy me this T-shirt?
Can she dance well? / Could she dance well?
Video lesson :
May
We use may and can to ask permission to do something. May is more formal than can and we use it when we don't know the other person very well.
(formal situation)
May I show you something, sir?
(informal situation)
Can I come fishing with you, Dad?
Must/Mustn't/Needn't
Must/Mustn't/Needn't
Mother: You must be careful, Mary.You mustn't play with matches.
Mary: Must we go to the doctor, mum?
Mother: No, we needn't go to the doctor. You will be all right.
In the present simple the modal verb must shows that it is necessary for someone to do something. It expresses necessity. It is followed by the root form of the verb.
We form questions by putting must before the subject. We form negations by putting the word not after must. Must't shows that it is wrong to do something. It expresses prohibition.
Students: Must we write a composition?
Teacher: No, you needn't write a composition.
The modal verb needn't shows that it isn't necessary to do something. It expresses a lack of necessity. It is followed by the root form of the verb.
We use must:
- to expres obligation: I must do my homework.
- for rules: You must buy a ticket.
- to give advice: You must go to the dentist.
We use mustn't
Mustn't means "it is forbidden" or "it isn't right".
You mustn't park here. (= It is forbidden to park here, it is against the rules.)
We use needn't:
Needn't means "it isn/t necessary to do something"
You needn't feed the dog. I will do it. (= It isn't necessary for you to do it.)
Video lesson :
We use the modal verb shall to express an offer.
Shell I help you water the flowers.
We use the modal verb will to ask someone to do something for us (request)
Mum, will you buy me this T-shirt?
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