MODAL VERBS

For elementary students

By Olga Vainali
 What are modal verbs?
 Modal verbs are verbs that come
before the main verb to give
more information about the main
verb.
 The main modal verbs are:
Can – could – must – should –
may – might – will – would
These verbs are used before the
basic form of the main verb
(infinitive) without “to”.
 ABILITY
Can: shows what you are able to
do now.
Could: shows what you were able
to do in the past.
I can run fast.
I could climb when I was younger.
 ADVICE
Should: to ask for or give advice
You should go to the dentist.
 POSSIBILITY
May show that something
Might is possible to happen

*may shows stronger possibility

than might.
She may win the lottery.
ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Can to ask if you can do
Could or have something
may
May I borrow this book?
 REQUESTS
Can to ask someone to
Could do something
would
Could you carry these bags, please?
 Probability
Will : to show that something
will probably
happen
Don’t worry. He will be here soon.