Modal Verbs

MODAL VERB
I can speak English.
Expresses an action.
Expresses a person’s ability .

IMPORTANT!
*Modal verbs are not conjugated.
She cans speak English.
*They dodance
I can to not accept the particle to.
well.
*They are auxiliaries:
They make the questions and negative sentences.
 MODAL VERB
+ I can speak English.
- I cannot/can’t speak Spanish.
? Can you speak Spanish?
CAN
COULD
MAY
MIGHT
MUST
SHOULD
WOULD
 MODAL VERB
CAN
I can dance very well. *present ability
Can I use your cellphone? *informal permisson
Can you give me a ride? *informal request
COUL
I could
D climb trees when I was a *past ability
Could
child. you help me with my
*polite permission/request
homework?
MAY
May I leave the room? *formal permisson
I may go to the movies this
*strong
weekend. possibility
MIGH MODAL VERB
It might
T be sunny
tomorrow.
*weak probability

MUST
The student must speak only english in
class.
*obligation/prohibition (MUST NOT/MUSTN’T)
The restaurant must be excellent.
*conclusion
SHOUL
YouDshould go to the
*advice
doctor.
I should be there at 8 a.m. *expectation
 MODAL VERB
WOUL
D
I would play a lot.
*past habit
I thought today would be a good day.
*future in the past
Would you like some water?
*offer/wish