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English
Grammar
Adapted from
https://english.lingolia.com/
What is a modal verb?
The modal verbs in English grammar are:
can, could, may, might, must, need not, shall/will, should/ought to.
Modal verbs only have one form. They do not take -s in the simple present and they
do not have a past simple or past participle form. However, some modal verbs have
alternative forms that allow us to express the same ideas in different tenses.
Example
Max’s father is a mechanic. He might retire soon, so he thinks Max should work in
the garage more often.
Max can already change tires, but he has to learn a lot more about cars.
Max must do what he is told and must not touch any dangerous equipment.
Conjugation of English Modal Verbs
There are a few points to consider when using modal verbs in a sentence:
Modal verbs are generally only used in the present tense in English but we don’t add
an -s in the third person singular.
Example:
(not: He musts …)
Modal verbs do not take an auxiliary verb in negative sentences and questions.
Example:
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We can use the alternative form to be able to in all tenses (present, past, perfect,
progressive and future).
Example:
Example:
We use was/were able to when we talk about something specific in the past.
Example:
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We can replace may/might with could in positive sentences, but not with can.
Example:
Example:
Example:
Max can’t be retired, he’s 12 years old. (but not: Max mustn’t be retired.)
We use must to express something we are 100% sure is true in the present.
Example:
Max’s grandfather must be retired, he’s 90 years old. (but not: Max’s grandfather can
be retired.)
To speculate about something in the past we use can’t/must + have + past participle.
Example:
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Example
List - Modal Verbs and Alternative Forms
Of course, we can also use the alternative forms (except for could) in other tenses.
Example:
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