Modal Verbs in

English
INGLS
2 de ESO

OUTLINE
Introduction: What do you understand by
modal verb?
Main modal verbs in English and their
different uses. (Main ideas)
Detailed explanation: How to include modals
in sentences?
Exemplification

Introduction: What do you understand

by modal verb?
They act as an auxiliary verb in verb phrases ( I can
go)
The form does not vary (*He cans go) can/could
They precede the negative particle in not negation (I
cannot go)
They precede the subject in yes-no questions (Can
you go?)
They can be followed by an infinitive without to (*He
can to go)
They express stance meanings, related to possibility,
necessity, obligation etc.

Main modal verbs in English and

their different uses.
Meanings

Modals

Permission/ possibility/
ability

Can, could

Obligation/ necessity/
advise

Must, have to, should

Detailed explanation: How to

include modals in sentences?
Affirmative: Subject + modal + infinitive of the
main verb (without to)
Negative: It is formed in the same way than the
affirmative structure but the negative particle is
added to the modal verb. Modal verb + (not/
nt)
Interrogative: Modal + subject + main verb in
infinitive form. (without to)
Short answers: subject pronoun + modal/
modal +(nt)

Attention!!
*HAVE TO/ DONT HAVE TO
Affirmative: subject + have/ has to + main verb
(inf.)
Negative: subject + dont/ doesnt + have to +
main verb (inf.)
Interrogative: Do/Does + subject + have to +
main verb (inf.)
Short answers: subject pronoun + do/does or
dont/ doesnt

Exemplification
Can expresses ability, possibility, permission and
requests. (cannot/cant)
I can jump one and a half metre high.
You can pass the exam the next year if you want.
Can she come with me to the party mum?
Can you lend me your students book? I need it for
taking some photocopies.

Exemplification
Could expresses ability and possibility in the
past. (could not/ couldnt)
Could he walk for so many hours without rest? He
behaved like a superman.
She could go through the river, buther boat is not
here today.
Could expresses politeness when referring to
the present: Could I take some fruit?

Exemplification
Must and have to express obligation or
necessity.
You must read the book for tomorrow, you have to
do it if you want not to get a bad mark.
Mustnt expresses prohibition. (must not)
Children in the camp mustnt go through the river
alone! It is too dangerous!

Do you know the difference

between must and have to?
You must go to school

Now I cant my doggy, I

have to go to school

Exemplification
Dont have to expresses lack of obligation or
necessity.
You dont have to invite him if you dont want to,
but he is your cousin!
Should is used for giving advice. (should not/
shouldnt)
If I were you, I wouldnt invite him. You shouldnt
invite him. What he did yesterday was horrible.
(anger)

Now it is your turn.

Now, if everything is clear enough you

should be able to do the following activity:
Imagine that one of your classmates has not come
to class today and you want to explain to him/her
what you have done during the lesson in order not
to be too behind with his/her work. How would you
do that?

If you have been able to

successfully carry out the
last activity
Congratulations!!!