Scribd
Upload
273 views13 pages

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used to express aspects of possibility, necessity, permission, ability, and volition. They modify the main verb by indicating the speaker's attitude. Semi-modals also have characteristics of both modal verbs and main verbs. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, have to, shall and will. Each modal verb has distinct meanings and uses related to ability, permission, possibility, necessity, instructions, requests, and volition.

Uploaded by

CATALINA CONSTANZA ORTIZ CHANDÍA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
273 views13 pages

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are used to express aspects of possibility, necessity, permission, ability, and volition. They modify the main verb by indicating the speaker's attitude. Semi-modals also have characteristics of both modal verbs and main verbs. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, have to, shall and will. Each modal verb has distinct meanings and uses related to ability, permission, possibility, necessity, instructions, requests, and volition.

Uploaded by

CATALINA CONSTANZA ORTIZ CHANDÍA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

MODAL VERBS

LENGUA Y CULTURA lll


2023
WHAT ARE MODAL
VERBS?
Modal verbs, also known as modal auxiliary verbs,
are a category of verbs used to express various
aspects of possibility, necessity, permission,
ability, and volition in a sentence. These verbs
modify the main verb by indicating the attitude
or stance of the speaker towards the action or
state described.
WHAT ARE SEMI-MODALS?
Semi-modals, also known as semi-
auxiliaries or quasi-auxiliaries, are
a group of verbs that function
similarly to modal verbs but also
retain some characteristics of
regular main verbs. They combine
features of both modal verbs and
full verbs.
The most common
ones:
Used to
Ought to
Have to
Need to
Be able to
Had better

ABILITY
CAN COULD BE ABLE TO
We use it to talk about someone's
We use it to talk about someone's general abilities or skills in the past We use this modal when Can or Could
general abilities or skills in the present Javiera could speak German before cannot be used within a sentence.
the accident. She'll be able to speak English after
Diego can run faster than Tulio We use Could+have+past participle to studying.
Triviño. say that someone had the opportunity to She will can speak English after
Ramón Can't speak French. do something, but did not do it. studying.
She could've come out of the closet,
but she was terrified.
PERMISSION
CAN COULD MAY
We use can to ask for permission to do Could, in a request, is more formal and May is another more formal and polite
something. polite than can. way of asking for permission.
Can I go to Amparo's party? Could I have a glass of water, May I go to the loo?
Can I get a new phone? please? May I ask a question, please?
Could you tell me where the
nearest bus station is?
INSTRUCTIONS
AND REQUESTS
COULD/WOULD CAN/WILL
We use could you and would you Can and will are less polite.
as polite ways of telling or Can you take a message?
asking someone to do something. Will you take a message?
Could you take a message?
Would you take a message?
POSSIBILITY
CAN COULD
"Can" expresses general possibility "Could" indicates a possibility or
or capability. potentiality, often in conditional or
It can be challenging to learn a hypothetical.
new language. If it stops raining, we could go for
She can solve the problem if a walk.
she focuses. He could be at the meeting, but
I'm not sure.
POSIBILITY

MAY MIGHT MUST


"May" expresses a possibility that "Might" also indicates a possibility, Must expresses a strong probability
something is likely to happen or be but with a lesser degree of or logical inference based on
true. certainty compared to "may." available evidence.
"It may rain this afternoon." "I might attend the party if I It must be cold outside;
"He may know the answer to finish my work in time." everyone is wearing jackets.
your question." "She might have forgotten She hasn't eaten all day; she
about the appointment." must be hungry.
NECESSITY

HAVE TO MUST
"Have to" expresses external "Must" expresses strong
necessity or obligation. It necessity or obligation. It
indicates that something is suggests that something is
required or mandatory due to required or highly recommended
external factors, rules, or based on rules, obligations, or
circumstances. logical deduction.
NECESSITY
HAVE TO MUST
"Have to" emphasizes the external "Must" is often used to convey
requirement or obligation imposed personal obligation or strong
by authority or circumstances. recommendations.
I must finish my homework You have to wear a seatbelt in
before going out. the car.
You must follow the They have to submit their
instructions carefully. reports by Friday.
VOLITION
"Will" expresses a person's intention, willingness,
or determination to do something in the future.
It is used to indicate personal choice or decision.

"I will help you with your project.


"She will study abroad next year.

VOLITION
"Shall" is used to express volition in certain contexts, typically in
questions or suggestions. It can convey an offer, a polite request for
advice, or seek agreement.

Shall we go for a walk?


Shall I open the window?

You might also like