MODAL

VERBS
 Modal Verbs
• THE MODAL VERBS ARE AUXILIARY VERBS.
• THEY ARE NOT CONJUGATED, EXCEPT “HAVE TO”.
• STRUCTURE:
 Should
• IS USED TO GIVE OR ASK FOR ADVICE.

AFFIRMATIVE: HE SHOULD WEAR HIS NEW COAT

NEGATIVE: HE SHOULDN'T WEAR HIS NEW COAT

INTERROGATIVE: SHOULD HE WEAR HIS NEW COAT?

 Must and Mustn't

• MUST EXPRESSES THE OBLIGATION, NECESSITY OR

DESIRABILITY OF DOING SOMETHING.

• MUSTN’T EXPRESSES PROHIBITION, THAT SOMETHING IS

NOT ALLOWED.

AFFIRMATIVE: YOU MUST WEAR FORMAL CLOTHES.

NEGATIVE: YOU MUSTN'T WEAR CASUAL CLOTHES.

INTERROGATIVE: MUST I WEAT FORMAL CLOTHES?

 Can
EXPRESSES ABILITY OR CAPACITY TO DO SOMETHING.

AFFIRMATIVE: MY SISTER CAN PLAY THE PIANO VERY WELL.

NEGATIVE: YOU CAN'T PLAY DE PIANO.

INTERROGATIVE: CAN HE PLAY THE PIANO?

 Could
• IS THE PAST OF CAN.
• EXPRESSES ABLITY AND POSSIBILITY IN THE PAST.
• IN INTERROGATIVE, IS ALSO USED TO ASK FOR PERMISSION OR

FAVOURS, BUT IN MORE POLITE WAY THAT WITH CAN.

AFFIRMATIVE: I COULD RUN A MARATHON.

NEGATIVE: I COULDN'T CALL YOU YESTERDAY.

INTERROGATIVE: COULD YOU LEND ME YOUR EARRINGS FOR THE PARTY?

 Have to

• EXPRESSES, AS MUST, OBLIGATION OR NECESSITY TO DO SOMETHING.

• HAVE TO IS CONJUGATED. AN -S IS ADDED TO THE 3RD FORM OF THE SINGULAR.

AFFIRMATIVE: HE HAS TO FINISH HIS HOMEWORK THIS AFTERNOON.

NEGATIVE: YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRESS LIKE THAT.

INTERROGATIVE: DO I HAVE TO WEAR A TIE?