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Modal Verb Chart

The document outlines the characteristics and uses of modal verbs in English, highlighting their unique properties such as not taking an -S in the third person singular and being followed by an infinitive without 'to'. It provides examples for various modal verbs like CAN, COULD, MAY, MUST, and others, detailing their functions related to ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and suggestions. Additionally, it explains the distinctions between auxiliary and non-auxiliary uses of certain verbs.

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8 views2 pages

Modal Verb Chart

The document outlines the characteristics and uses of modal verbs in English, highlighting their unique properties such as not taking an -S in the third person singular and being followed by an infinitive without 'to'. It provides examples for various modal verbs like CAN, COULD, MAY, MUST, and others, detailing their functions related to ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and suggestions. Additionally, it explains the distinctions between auxiliary and non-auxiliary uses of certain verbs.

Uploaded by

9kjrjzwfwc
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MODAL VERBS

CHARACTERISTICS
All modal verbs have some special characteristics you should remember:
1. They do not take an -S in the third person singular: you cannot say he cans* or she wills*.

2. They are followed by an infinitive without 'to' in most cases, except OUGHT TO.

Ex: You ought to study more if you want to pass the exam.

3. Also in most cases, they function like auxiliaries for questions and negatives:

ex: Can you speak louder, please? No, I cannot speak louder.

4. They do not have some of their forms, so we need different forms like BE ABLE TO or HAVE TO:
I will be able to speak French in two months.

5. Sometimes, modal verbs can also be followed by a perfect infinitive.

Ex: it MUST HAVE BEEN the rain, which talks about the past.

VERB USE EXAMPLE


1. Ability in the present 1. I can swim. (Sé nadar)
2. Permission (informal) 2. Mum, can I go out tonight?
Give or refuse permission Yes, you can. / No, you can’t
3. Possibility (in the present) 3. You’re 18, so you can get your driving licence.
CAN It can be very cold here in winter.
4. Probability (90%) 4. If she studies, she can pass.
5. Request (informal) 5. Can you help me?
6. Suggestion 6. If you want, we can go camping next weekend.
7. Offer 7. I can help you later.
Can I help you?
CAN’T /CANNOT 8. Non-ability, impossibility 8. I can’t swim. I can’t do that, it’s too difficult.
9. Negative deduction 9. They can’t be at home because the lights are off
10. Prohibition 10. They can’t smoke in the hospital

1. Ability in the past 1. I could swim when I was 3 years old.


I couldn’t swim when I was 2.
2. Permission (polite, more 2. Could I talk to the manager/doctor?
formal)
3. Possibility (in the past 3. If she were 18, she could get her driving licence.
COULD future) 4. If she studied, she could pass.
4. Probability (60 %) I’m not sure but she could come to the party.
5. Request (more formal) 5. Could you help me? Could you do me a favour?
6. Suggestion 6. We could go to the cinema tomorrow.
7. Offer 7. I could help you later.

Negative 8. Impossibility (in the 8. I couldn’t finish my project on time. I couldn’t


past) do it because it was very difficult.

BE ABLE TO 1. Ability 1. She’s able to run 15 kilometres


(ser capaz de) 2. Possibility/impossibility 2. She was able /has been able /will be able to run
Complements (present, past, future) 15 kilometres.
CAN. Will you be able to come to the party?
Also used in I haven’t been able to pass Math.
present and past He wasn’t able to finish the race.
2. Permission (polite) 2. May I come in, please?
4. Probability (50, 60%) 4. It may rain tomorrow.
MAY (puede que)

4. Probability (40 %) 4. It might rain tomorrow.


(pudiera ser que ) I might go on holiday to Australia next year.
MIGHT
1. Strong obligation 1. You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
2. Internal obligation, Must I wear this tie?
MUST responsabilities. 2. I must lose some weight. (I say so)
(I say/think so)
9. Positive deduction. 9. The must be at home. The lights are on.
Certainly

MUSTN’T 10. Prohibition 4. You must not (mustn’t) smoke in the hospital.

HAVE TO 2. External Obligation. 2. I have to lose some weight (the doctor says so;
the doctor decides for me).
non auxiliary
I had to go to school early yesterday because I
verb, it
had an exam
complements
Responsibilities at work 1. She has to file reports every week.
MUST
NEED TO 1. Necessity. Something is 1. She needs to go to Seattle next week.
important for someone. Do you need to get up early tomorrow?
(auxiliary and
I need to spend more time with my children
Non auxiliary
because I've been so busy lately.
verb

DON’T HAVE TO 1. Absence of necessity, lack of 1. We don’t have to buy tomatoes. There are plenty of
DON’T NEED TO obligation. It is not necessary, but it tomatoes in the fridge.
NEEDN’T is possible. You needn’t come to the meeting.
She doesn't need to worry about her grades. She's a
great student.
I don't need to work next Monday!

SHOULD 1. Give and ask for advice 1. You should /ought to eat more fruit and vegetables.
What do you think, should I call him?
OUGHT TO Young children shouldn’t watch violent films
Ought not You ought not to go to bed so late.

to
1. Suggestion 1. Shall we go to the cinema?
2. Offer 2. Shall I help you with your luggage?
SHALL 3. Asking for instructions 3. What shall I do next?

1. Instant decisions 1. I can’t see any taxis so I will walk.


2. Offer 2. I’ll do it for you if you want
WILL 3. Promise 3. I promise I will study more.
4. Certain prediction 4. Profits will increase next year.
5. Request (informal) 5. Will you do me a favour?

1. Asking for permission 1. Would you mind if I brought a friend with me?
2. Request (polite) 2. Would you pass me the salt, please?
WOULD 3. Invitation 3. Would you like to play golf this Friday?

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