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Modal Verbs

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iyad khamis
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18 views6 pages

Modal Verbs

Uploaded by

iyad khamis
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are special verbs that express different meanings like ability,
permission, possibility, obligation, and more. They are used with the base form of
the verb (without “to”), and they don’t change forms depending on the subject.
For example, “He can go” and “I can go” use the same form of “can.”
Let’s break down the different functions of modal verbs in terms of time (present,
past, and future), and look at examples for each one.

Common Modal Verbs:


 Can
 Could
 May
 Might
 Shall
 Should
 Will
 Would
 Must
 Ought to

1. Expressing Ability
Present:
 Can is used to talk about ability in the present.
Examples:
o I can swim.
o She can speak English.
Past:
 Could is used for general abilities in the past.
Examples:
o When I was younger, I could run fast.
o She could speak French when she was a child.
Future:
 Will be able to is used for future ability.
Examples:
o He will be able to drive when he turns 18.
o They will be able to finish the project next week.

2. Asking for Permission and Making Polite Requests


Present/Future:
 Can, Could, and May are used to ask for permission and to make polite
requests.
Examples:
o Can I go to the bathroom? (Informal)
o May I leave early? (Formal)
o Could you pass me the salt, please? (Polite)
Past (Polite Requests):
 Could is used in a polite way to ask for something in the past.
Examples:
o Could you help me with this last week?
o She could have asked for help, but she didn’t.
3. Expressing Possibility
Present:
 May, Might, and Could express present or future possibility.
Examples:
o It might rain later today.
o He could be at home right now.
o She may arrive soon.
Past:
 Might have, May have, and Could have are used to talk about possibility in
the past.
Examples:
o They might have missed the bus yesterday.
o She may have forgotten to call.
o He could have gone to the party, but I’m not sure.
Future:
 Might, May, and Could are also used for future possibilities.
Examples:
o We might go to the beach tomorrow.
o They could win the game next week.

4. Giving Advice or Suggestions


Present/Future:
 Should, Ought to, and Had better are used to give advice or
recommendations.
Examples:
o You should study for your test.
o They ought to arrive by 8 PM.
o You had better see a doctor if you’re not feeling well.
Past:
 Should have or Ought to have is used to talk about advice or missed
opportunities in the past.
Examples:
o He should have called her yesterday.
o They ought to have finished the report last week.

5. Expressing Obligation
Present/Future:
 Must and Have to express strong obligation.
Examples:
o I must finish this work before I leave.
o She has to wear a uniform to school.
Past:
 Had to is used to express past obligation.
Examples:
o We had to wake up early for the trip.
o He had to leave the meeting early.
6. Expressing Deduction (Making Conclusions)
Present:
 Must is used to make logical conclusions.
Examples:
o He must be tired after working all day.
o They must live nearby because they walk to school.
Past:
 Must have is used to make deductions about past events.
Examples:
o She must have forgotten her keys at home.
o They must have arrived late last night.
Future:
 Will can be used to express certainty about future events.
Examples:
o He will be here soon.
o They will definitely pass the exam.

7. No Obligation or Prohibition
Present/Future:
 Don’t have to (no obligation) and Mustn’t (prohibition) are used to express
no obligation or prohibition.
Examples:
o You don’t have to wear a suit to the party. (No obligation)
o You mustn’t smoke here. (Prohibition)
Past:
 Didn’t have to is used for past lack of obligation, while Couldn’t or Wasn’t
allowed to is used for past prohibition.
Examples:
o I didn’t have to go to work yesterday. (No obligation)
o They couldn’t go to the concert because they were underage.
(Prohibition)

8. Making Offers or Promises


Present/Future:
 Will and Shall are used for offers and promises.
Examples:
o I will help you with your homework.
o Shall I open the window?

9. Making Predictions
Present/Future:
 Will and Might are used for making predictions.
Examples:
o It will rain tomorrow.
o She might come to the party later.

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