Modal Verbs

Form
 1. There is no (s) the third person singular s:
 She can write. He can speak English.
 2. There is no need to use an aux verb, instead, the negative
and question forms are made by the model verb.
 He can’t speak well.
 They mustn't drive fast.
 3. There are no ( ing) forms or infinitives:
 I would love to travel the world.
 In stead, it is followed by infinitive without to:
 You must leave.
 Form
 Exception of the above rule is(( ought to)):
 He ought to leave immediately.
 4. They have no past forms, but we can use them with perfect infinitives:
 You should have advised me not to take the job.

 Exception are:
 1. Have to= had to.
 Could= talk about a general ability in the past:
 I could read a newspaper when I was 7.
 To refer about a specific occasion, was able to/ managed to are used:
 The prisoner was able to/ managed to escape from prison.
USE

 1. Each modal verb has at least two meanings

 2. modal verbs are used to express our attitudes, opinions,
and judgments about events:
 Who’s that knocking at the door? It is John. ( FACT)
 Who’s that knocking at the door?
 It could, might, must, may, should be John. ( ATTITUDE or
OPINION)
Modal Verbs of Obligation and Permission

 1) Have to or have got to: Express obligation.

 Have to expresses:
A). Strong obligation: by ( law, or rule).
Children have to go to school at the age of six.
B). General repeated obligation.
I always have to tell the truth
 Have got to:
A) British English and informal.
I’ve got to go.
B) Expresses an obligation on one particular occasion.
I’ve got to get up early tomorrow. I have an early lecture.
Modal Verbs of Obligation and
Permission
 2) Can and be allowed to express permission.
 Can is usually informal and used in spoken English:
They cant leave early today.
They are not allowed to leave the class.
 Modal Verbs of Obligation and
Permission
 Should, ought to, and must.
 Should and ought to express mild obligation, suggestions, or advice. They are
usually used with I THINK, I DON’T THINK:
 You shouldn't sit near the TV. It is bad for your eyes.
 I think you should join an English Institute.
 You ought to apologize to the teacher.
 Must= like have to expresses a strong obligation but it involves the speaker’s
opinion:
 You must visit your parents.
 Must is more formal:
 Reports must be submitted next week.
Don’t have to and mustn’t

 The use of them are completely different:

 Don’t have to= expresses the absence of obligation:
You can go to the mall but you don’t have to buy anything
You mustn’t drive fast. It is dangerous.
Making Requests: can, could, will, and
would.
 Could= formal can= familiar
 Could you help me?
 Can you help me?
 Making offers: will and shall/ should

 Will= intention, decision made at the moment of speaking:

 I’ve lost my bag. Its ok, I’ll lend you some.

 Shall,should= I – We. They express an offer, a suggestion, or a request for an

advice. We use (should) to make an informal suggestion.
 What should we have for dinner?
 What should we do tonight?
 Shall I carry you bag for you?
 Shall we go out for a meal tonight?
 What shall we do? We haven’t got any money.