MODALS VERBS

WOULD

The auxiliary would be, used as a conditional, expresses an idea of will, of acceptance, of
preference.

I would buy a car if I could. I would buy a car if I could.

I would make an omelette if I had some eggs. I would make an omelette if I had eggs.

(the past tense of the subjunctive was formed)

What would you do in my place? What would you do in my place?

I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we started dining without them. I'm sure we won't bother them if
we start eating without them.

(began to form the past tense of the subjunctive)

It would be used in the forms of courtesy:

I would like some change please. Could you give me change please?

Would you like something to drink? Would you like to have a drink?

It also allows specifying the future within a sentence in the past (it would be the preterite of will):

Bruno says he will come to the meeting. Bruno says he will come to the meeting.

Bruno said he would come to the meeting. Bruno said he would come to the meeting.

CAN

CAN” is one of the most used modal verbs in English. “Can” is an auxiliary verb ( modal auxiliary
verb ).

It can be used to express;

Ability

Possibility

Permission

Request

Offer

General Structure of “CAN” in a Sentence

POSITIVE FORM (+) : Subject + CAN + Verb ( first form of the verb )

NEGATIVE FORM (-) : Subject + CAN + NOT ( CAN’T ) + Verb ( first form of the verb )

QUESTION FORM (?) : CAN+ Subject + Verb ( first form of the verb )

Examples:

I can play basketball. ( positive form )

I can not ( can’t ) play basketball. ( negative form )

Can I play basketball? ( question form )