BÚZI SECUNDARY SCHOOL

AMÉLIA DOMINGOS MABONGO MANUEL

MODAL VERBS

BÚZI

2024

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 BÚZI SECUNDARY SCHOOL

MODAL VERBS

AMÉLIA DOMINGOS MABONGO MANUEL

GRADE: 12ª ; CLASS: B 01; NUMBER: 02; TRIMESTRY: II

TEACHER: CUMBE

BÚZI
2024

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Conteúdo
Resume........................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................5
I. Definition.................................................................................................................................................6
II. List of Modal verbs.................................................................................................................................6
III. Structure to use modal verbs..................................................................................................................6
IV. Modal verbs don’t add “s” or “es” to the third person singular. Next, look some example about modal
verbs conjugated in different tense..............................................................................................................7
V. Modal verbs don’t need auxiliaries to form negative and question. Next, look some example...............7
VI. Modal verbs don’t have infinitives or ing form.....................................................................................7
VII. How to use modal verbs?.....................................................................................................................8
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................9
References.................................................................................................................................................10

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Resume

Modal verbs are a unique group of auxiliary verbs in English that serve various functions like
expressing possibility, permission, ability, obligation, advice, and requests. They differ from
regular verbs as they don’t change form of third person singular and lack certain verb forms like
full infinitives, simple past or past participles. Common modal verbs include: can, could, may,
might, shall, should, will, would, must, and ought. Proficiency in using modal verbs is crucial for
effective communication in English as they provide depth and nuances to conversations. By
mastering the correct usage of modal verbs, language learners can improve their language skills
and communicate more effectively.

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Introduction

In this research work, I will address about modal verbs.

Modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs that play a crucial role in English grammar.
They are used to express different degrees of possibility, permission, ability, obligation, advice
and requests. Modal verbs don’t have conjugation for the third person singular (except “must”)
and don’t have full infinitive forms, simple past, or past participle forms.

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I. Definition

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verbs that provide additional and specific meaning to the
main verb of the sentence.

II. List of Modal verbs

 Can;
 Could;
 May;
 Might;
 Will;
 Would;
 Shall;
 Should;
 Ought to;
 Must.

III. Structure to use modal verbs

Use the basic form or infinitive of the main verb after the modal verbs.

Subject Modal Verb Main verb Complement

I Must go + To sleep
You Can drink + Some water
She Should eat + Some food
He May do + Some exercise
It + Will + speak + English
We Shall study + So much
You Would pay + taxes
They Might buy + The car
Ought to fight + Against everyone

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IV. Modal verbs don’t add “s” or “es” to the third person singular. Next, look some
example about modal verbs conjugated in different tense.

 Present simple tense

I could work;
You could work;
He /She/It could work;
They could work.
 Present Continuous
I could be working;
You could be working;
He /She/It could be working;
They could be working.
 Perfect
I could have worked;
You could have worked;
He /She/It could have worked;
They could have worked.
 Perfect Continuous
I could have been working;
You could have been working;
He /She/It could have been working;
They could have been working.

V. Modal verbs don’t need auxiliaries to form negative and question. Next, look some
example.

 Amelia should study: Amelia doesn’t should study → Amelia should not study.
 Why does Amelia study → Why should Amelia study?

VI. Modal verbs don’t have infinitives or ing form.

Example: Canning; to might; to should; coulding.

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VII. How to use modal verbs?
Modal verbs Use Example
ability/possibility They can control their own work.
impossibility We cannot fix it.
Can asking for permission Can I bring here?
request Can you help me?
permission Could I borrow your dictionary?
request Could you say it again more slowly?
Could possibility I think we could have another tear.
future I wish Amelia could study on next week
ability He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
permission May I have another cup of coffee?
May possibility I may finish my homework
possibility We would better phone tomorrow, they might
Might be eating their dinner now.
Ought to Saying what’s
correct or right Amelia ought to finish by next week.
suggestion Shall we help you with your luggage?
Shall permission Shall I do that or will you?
Saying what’s We should solve this problem.
Should correct or right
Possibility Fees should decrease next year
Will Possibility Due to the news, the stock will go down.
Would Possibility The chemical would help the experience.

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Conclusion

At the end of research, it was conclude that modal verbs are essential elements for
communication in English as they provide nuances and subtleties to our statements, requests and
opinions. Mastering the correct use of modal verbs can significantly enrich our ability to express
and understand in the English language. Therefore, by exploring and practicing the use of modal
verbs, we can enhance our communication skills and become more proficient in the language.

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References.
M. Frodesen, J., White, B., & Williams, H. A. (2016). The Grammar Book: Form, Meaning,
and Use for English Language Teachers.

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