MODAL

VERBS
By : Teacher James and Neenu Shanu
 Now let’s see how
Modals Verbs are used!
MODAL VERBS

I. DEFINITION
II. STRUCTURE
III.HOW TO USE !
 MODAL VERBS
I. DEFINITION

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb

that is used to indicate modality-that is
likelihood, ability, permission, possiblity,...
Two of my friends
can play guitar
(ability)
 LIST OF MODAL VERBS
CAN • = ABILITY, PERMISSION
COULD • = ABILITY (PAST) & FORMAL
LANGUAGE
MAY • POSSIBILITY/ PERMISSION
MIGHT • SUGGESTIONS
 MUST • OBLIGATION
SHOULD/ OUGHT TO • ADVICE/ WARNING
 II. STRUCTURE
Subject Modal verb Main verb Complement

I go to sleep.
We Must
They drink some water.
Can
You
Could eat some health
He
food.
She Should
do some exercise.
It May
Use the basic form or INFINITIVE of
Might
the main verbs after the modal verbs.
 MODAL VERBS

 Modal verbs do not add s or es to the

third person singular.

He can swim. He cans swim.

 MODAL VERBS
 Modal verbs don’t need auxiliaries to
form negative sentences and questions.

Exp : She should stay.

She doesn’t should stay. → She shouldn’t stay.

Why does she stay? → Why should she stay?

c. Modal verbs don’t have infinitives or –ing

forms
Exp: canning to might
 MODAL VERBS
HOW TO USE
CAN
Use Example
Ability / Possibility  They can control their own work.
Impossibility  We can’t fix it.
Asking for permission  Can I bring here?
Request  Can you help me?
 MODAL VERBS
COULD

Use Example
Permission  Could I borrow your dictionary?
Request  Could you say it again more slowly?
Possibility  I think we could have another tea.
Future  I wish Carol could meet me next week.
Ability  He gave up his old job so he could work for us
 MODAL VERBS

MAY

Use Example

Permission  May I have another cup of coffee?

Possibility  I may finish my homework
 MODAL VERBS
MIGHT

Use Example
Possibility  We'd better phone tomorrow, they
might be eating their dinner now.
Suggestions  She might use phone tomorrow
 MODAL VERBS
OUGHT TO
Use Example

Saying what’s right or correct 

She ought to finish by next week
 MODAL VERBS

SHOULD

Use Example
Saying what’s right or correct
We should solve this problem.
 M I G H T

O U G H T T O

C O U L D

C A N
S H O U L D

M U S T
THE END
Thanks for your attention