Modal Verbs

What are MODAL VERBS?

Modal verbs…
• are special verbs which behave very differently from
normal verbs.
• only exist as auxiliary verbs; they cannot be the main
verb of a sentence.
• They are followed by the infinitive of the main verbs.
• are used to express ideas such as possibility,
intention, obligation and necessity.
 Modal Verbs
Let’s look at some modal verbs…

1. SHOULD/SHOULDN’T

• To give advice.
Examples:
a) You should recycle paper.
b) You shouldn’t waste so much water.
 Modal Verbs

1. SHOULD/SHOULDN’T

Affirmative I/you/he/she/it/we/they should recycle.

Negative I/you/he/she/it/we/they shouldn’t cut trees.
Questions Should I/you/he/she/it/we/they plant trees?
Wh-questions What should she do?
 Modal Verbs
2. MUST/MUSTN’T

• To talk about rules.

Examples:
a) You must be careful.
b) You mustn’t drop litter in the street.
 Modal Verbs

2. MUST/MUSTN’T

Affirmative I/you/he/she/it/we/they must be careful.

Negative I/you/he/she/it/we/they mustn’t use your phones in class .
 Modal Verbs
3. Can/could/may

• To make requests
Examples:
a) Can/may I go to the toilet?
b) Could you open the window?

Can I go to the toilet?

May I go to the toilet?
Could I go to the toilet?
 Let’s practice!
• Pages 67 , 69 (student’s book)
• 52 (should/shouldn’t) + 55 (activity book).