• Modals are auxiliary verbs that are used to

express permission, obligation,

prohibition,certainty, probability, possibility,
ability, advice, and request among others.
Unlike main verbs and other auxiliary verbs
(I.e., be, do and have), modal verbs do not
change their form (spelling) and cannot be
used alone in a sentence.
 Common uses or functions of
modals
• Expressing PERMISSION • Can I go with you?
• May
• Requesting permission • Of course, you can.
and giving permission • may.
• Can may • You can stay with us
until the pandemic is
over.
• Can I bring a friend with
me?
• Expressing OBLIGATION

Functions Modals Examples

Use must when the obligation comes from the speaker

• I must go to the doctor, I don’t feel well.

•I must have my homework ready tonight.
•I must stop smoking.

•We use have to when the obligation comes from someone else, not the
speaker; for an action that is necessary because of rules.

•have to
•(Plural)
•Has to
•(singular)
• We have to be at the airport three hours before the flight leaves.
• At work I have to wear uniform.
• My father has to pay the rent every month

• must
(it is followed by a base verb)

• He must go to class today.

• We must now go back to work after a long vacation.

• Should is a weak obligation, and we use it to give advice

• Children should cooperate with their parents.