Grammar Guru — Modal verbs
What is a modal verb?
The modal verbs in English grammar are can, could, may, might, must, need not, shall/will, should/ought to. They express things like ability, permission, possibility, obligation etc. Modal verbs only have one form.
They do not take -s in the simple present and they do not have a past simple or past participle form. However, some modal verbs have alternative forms that allow us to express the same ideas in different tenses.
How to use modal verbs correctly:
1. A modal verb is always used with a notional verb that is in the infinitive without "To":
I can type very fast.
2. All modal verbs have the same form, regardless of person or number. The only exception is with the verb have to: with the pronouns he, she, it we change it to has to, as in a regular verb.
She has to pay her taxes this month.
3. Even if the action happened in the past, the modal verb does not change. But there are a couple of exceptions:
can - could
may - might
have to - had to
Тема 1.1 «Can/could»
Тема 1.2 «Have to, should, ought to»
Тема 1.3 «May, might»
Тема 1.4 «Must»
Тема 1.5 «Need to»
Тема 1.6 «Used to»
Тема 1.7 «Will, would, shall»
After studying the module, you will:
Have an understanding:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the functions and meanings of modal verbs.
- Understand how modal verbs influence the meaning and structure of sentences in the English language
Know:
- Master the usage of each modal verb according to its context and meaning.
- Differentiate between various modal verbs and their applications.
Be able to:
- Express various concepts such as possibility, ability, obligation, and more using modal verbs accurately.
- Apply modal verbs effectively in both spoken and written communication.