MODAL

LARANA, INC.

VERBS I
PRESENTED BY: CARLOS ORUNA
 CONTENT
01 ABILITY

02 POSSIBILITY

03 PROBABILITY

04 DEDUCTION

05 PERMISSION

06 REQUEST
MODAL VERBS
Are a special category of auxiliary verbs in
English that express the attitude, ability,
necessity, or possibility of the action
expressed by the main verb in a sentence.

They modify the main verb to indicate the

speaker's opinion, obligation, permission,
ability, or likelihood regarding the action.
CHARACTERISTICS
Modal verbs do not change form according to the
subject.

They are followed directly by the base form (bare

infinitive) except for "ought to" and “have to.”

Modal verbs do not require auxiliars to form

negative or interrogative sentences.
 FUNCTIONS
Can: is used to express general present ability or capability. It
ABILITY indicates that someone has the skill, knowledge, or physical capacity
to do something.

Example: She can speak three languages fluently.

Could: is the past tense form of "can" and is used to express past
ability or capability. It indicates that someone had the ability to do
something in the past.

Example: When I was younger, I could run very fast.

Be Able To: The phrase "be able to" can also be used to express ability
in various tenses and forms.

Example:
He was able to solve the problem quickly.
They will be able to finish the project on time.
 FUNCTIONS
POSIBILITY "May" and "might": Are used to express present or future possibility. They
indicate that something is possible or likely to happen, but not certain.

It may rain later this afternoon.

She might come to the party tomorrow.

"Could": Also used to express present or future possibility, but it implies

a higher degree of uncertainty compared to "may" or "might."

He could be at home by now, or he might still be at work.

 FUNCTIONS
POSIBILITY
"Modal + be + present participle": can also be used to express possibility
in the future. This structure is often used to indicate something that is
expected or likely to happen based on current conditions or trends.

The economy is improving, so prices may be rising soon. (It's possible

that prices will rise soon, given the current improvement in the
economy.)

She is studying very hard, so she might be passing the exam next
week. (It's possible that she will pass the exam next week,
considering her current efforts in studying.)
 FUNCTIONS
POSIBILITY
Expressing Past Possibility:
"Might" and "could" can also be used to express past possibility or
uncertainty about something that may have happened in the past.

He might have forgotten his keys at home.

She could have missed the bus this morning.
 FUNCTIONS
DEDUCTION
"Must" is used to express a high degree of certainty or strong inference
based on evidence.

He must be the new employee. (It's highly likely or almost certain that
he is the new employee.)

Using "Can" for either strong or weak Deduction:

He can't be at home because his car is not in the driveway. (It is

inferred that he is not at home because his car is not there.)

She can't have forgotten her keys; she's usually very organized. (It is
inferred that she has not forgotten her keys based on her usual
behavior.)
 FUNCTIONS
PERMISSION
"Can" is used to express general permission or the ability to do
something.

You can use my computer if you need to. (You are allowed to use my
computer.)

"Could" is the past tense form of "can" and is often used to make polite
requests or ask for permission.

Could I borrow your pen, please? (May I borrow your pen?)

"May" is used to express formal or polite permission, particularly in more

formal contexts.

May I have a moment of your time? (May I speak with you briefly?)
MODAL VERBS II
 CONTENT
01 SUGESTIONS

02 HABITS

03 OBLIGATION

04 PROHIBITION
 FUNCTIONS
SUGESTIONS
"Should" and "ought to" are used to offer advice or recommend a course
of action.

You should try the new restaurant downtown. (I recommend that you
try the new restaurant.)
We ought to leave early to avoid traffic. (It's advisable for us to leave
early.)

"Could" is used to suggest a possible course of action or propose an

idea.

We could go for a walk in the park this afternoon. (One possible

suggestion for what we could do.)
 FUNCTIONS
SUGESTIONS
In traditional English grammar, "shall" is often associated with certain
pronouns, particularly the first-person pronouns "I" and "we."

I shall go to the store tomorrow. (Expressing future action with "I" as

the subject.)

We shall meet again soon. (Expressing future action with "we" as the
subject.)
 FUNCTIONS
HABITS
“Would" is used to describe past habitual actions or states. It indicates
repeated actions or behaviors that were characteristic of the past but
are not necessarily true in the present.

Every Saturday, we would go for a hike in the mountains. (Describing

a past habitual action.)

When he was a child, he would always eat cereal for breakfast.

(Describing a past habitual behavior.)
 FUNCTIONS
HABITS The "habitual future" refers to a grammatical construction used to
express actions or behaviors that are habitual or routine in nature,
particularly in relation to specific circumstances or conditions. It is
often formed using the modal verb "will" followed by the base form of
the main verb.

They will visit their grandparents every summer vacation. (Expressing

a habitual action in the future.)

Whenever she feels stressed, she will practice yoga to relax.

(Expressing a habitual response to stress.)
 FUNCTIONS
OBLIGATION "Must" is used to indicate strong obligation or necessity. It implies that
the action is required and there is no choice in the matter.

I must study for that exam or I will fail.

"Have to" is used to indicate external obligation or necessity. It suggests

that the action is required by external rules, circumstances, or authority.

Students have to submit their assignments by Friday.

"Ought to" is used to indicate weaker obligation or advisability. It

suggests that the action is recommended or advisable, but not strictly
required.

You ought to brush your teeth twice a day for good oral hygiene.
 FUNCTIONS
PROHIBITION "Must not" is used to indicate a strong prohibition, where the action is
strictly forbidden.

Visitors must not enter this area without permission.

"Cannot" is used to indicate inability or impossibility to do something,

which implies prohibition.

You cannot park here; it's a no-parking zone.

"Should not" is used to indicate a recommendation against performing a

certain action, implying a milder form of prohibition.

You should not smoke in the building.

THAT’S IT