MODALS: PRESENT

AND PAST FORMS

Modal verbs
Sometimes called “modals”, are auxiliary verbs (helping verbs).
They express such things as possibility, probability,permission and obligation.
Modals:

can could might

may must should

will would shall

Structure of modals verbs in present:

Subject + modal + verb (base form)

Example:

You should see a doctor.

 Structure of modals verbs in past:

Subject + modal + have + verb (past participle)

Example:

You should have seen a doctor.

Modals are different from normal verbs:

Modal verbs don´t change their

form (spelling).

Modal verbs make questions by

Many
You use
Modal modal
verbs verbs
“not” to
domake
not can
modal
takenot be
verbs
“-s” inversion (“He can go” becomes
negative,
usedin ineven
theinthird
simple
past presentor
tenses andthe
the person
simple past “Can he go?”).
future tenses

Modal verbs are followed by the

infinitive of another verb without
“to”.