MODAL VERBS

Teacher Emerson Macedo

Modal verbs

• They are a special kind of verb that change or complete the meaning of the main verb.

• They can express ability, possibility, deduction, obligation, prohibition, advice and etc.

• They don’t use an “s” in the third person singular.

• They are directly followed by another verb in the basic form (infinitive without “to”).

• They do not change their spelling and they have no infinitive or participle.

• You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past.

Ability

• can / could / be able to

It can help the athletes in their trainning program. (present)

Ordinary tape could help injuries heal. (past)

He’ll be able to play the game next weekend.

Possibility

• may / might / could

It may work on humans

Some people might choose modern medicine.

He could choose a natural anternative.

Deduction

• must / can’t

Having a sport injury must be frustrating.

Some people say these therapies can’t be as effective as modern medicine.

Obligation

• have to / must

He has to practice more.

First, they must train harder.

Prohibition• must not

You must not lose the game today.

Advice

• should / ought to

You should practice for the game. It’s going to be difficult.

You ought to run faster.