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Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, or obligation. They include common verbs such as can, may, must, and should, each serving specific functions like expressing ability, giving permission, or indicating obligation. Practicing modal verbs can enhance confidence in English communication.

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22 views12 pages

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, or obligation. They include common verbs such as can, may, must, and should, each serving specific functions like expressing ability, giving permission, or indicating obligation. Practicing modal verbs can enhance confidence in English communication.

Uploaded by

teacher.euge
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODAL

VERBS
Introduction
Modal verbs are auxiliary (helping) verbs
that express ability, possibility,
permission, necessity, or obligation.
Common modal verbs:
Can, could
May, might
Must
Shall, should
Will, would
Need, ought to
Expressing ability (present and past):
Modal
Verbs of Can – I can swim. (Present ability)
Ability Could – When I was younger, I
could run fast. (Past ability)
Expressing possibility and
probability:
Modal
May / Might – It may rain
Verbs of tomorrow. (Possibility)
Possibility
Could – She could be at home.
(Less certain possibility)
Giving and asking for permission:

May – May I leave early? (Formal)


Modal Verbs
of Permission Can – You can go now. (Informal)

Might – You might be allowed to


visit. (Uncertain permission)
Expressing strong obligation:
Must – You must wear a seatbelt.
(Strong obligation)
Modal Verbs
Have to – I have to finish my work.
of Obligation
(External necessity)
& Necessity
Expressing lack of necessity:
Don’t have to – You don’t have to
come early. (Not necessary)
Expressing what is not allowed:

Modal Verbs Must not (mustn’t) – You must not


of smoke here. (Strict prohibition)
Prohibition
Cannot (can’t) – You can’t park
here. (Informal prohibition)
Giving recommendations/advice:

Modal Verbs Should / Ought to – You should


of Advice & eat healthy.
Suggestion
Had better – You had better study
for the test. (Stronger warning)
Making logical conclusions:
Modal Verbs of
Deduction Must – He must be tired. (Strong
(Making assumption)
Assumptions)
Can’t – That can’t be true! (Strong
disbelief)
Let’s Practice
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb:

You ___ be 18 to vote in elections.

She ___ speak three languages.

It ___ rain later, so take an umbrella.

You ___ park here—it’s not allowed.

He ___ finish the project today.


Let’s Practice
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb:

You must be 18 to vote in elections.

She can speak three languages.

It might rain later, so take an umbrella.

You must not park here—it’s not allowed.

He has to finish the project today.


CONCLUSION

Modal verbs modify the meaning of a verb to show


ability, possibility, necessity, or permission.
Some modal verbs express certainty, while others
indicate doubt or prohibition.
Practice using modal verbs to become more confident
in English!

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