Modal Verbs: meaning, form and useRuiz Chávez Adriana Erizeira

Recursos y Materiales II

October 1st, 2014

Introduction

Nowadays, we give opinions and advices all the time, as well as we ask for permission or to prohibit something. This means that we use Modal Verbs in our daily life without even notice them.

In the following presentation is explained the definition of the different types of Modal Verbs. Also, it includes some examples that will help you to understand better the topic.

Objective

• The objective of this presentation is to recognize the different types of Modal Verbs, their meaning, form and use when giving opinions or advice, asking for permissions or to prohibit actions and things.

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important differences:

1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.

Examples:•He can speak Chinese.•She should be here by 9:00.

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

Examples:•He should not be late.•They might not come to the party.

3. Many Modal Verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.

Examples:•He will can go with us. Not Correct•She musted study very hard. Not Correct

Common Modal Verbs

Can  Ought to 

Could  Shall 

May   Should 

 Might  Will 

Must Would

Probability

First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something happened / is happening / will happen. We often call these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation' or 'certainty' or 'probability'.For example:• It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.• I don't know where John is. He could have missed the

train.• This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!

Ability

We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.

For example:• She can speak six languages.• My grandfather could play golf very well.• I can't drive.

Obligation and Advice

We can use verbs such as 'must' or 'should' to say when something is necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice.

For example:• Children must do their homework.• We have to wear an uniform at work.• You should stop smoking.

Permission

We can use verbs such as 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. We also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.

For example:• Could I leave early today, please?• You may not use the car tonight.• Can we swim in the lake?

Activity!

• Read the following sentences and write in the comments the Modal Verb that belongs to it.

1. I didn’t feel very well yesterday. I ..... eat anything.

2. You ..... look at me when I am talking to you.

3. I was using my pencil a minute ago. It ..... be here somewhere!

4. You really ..... be late again.

5. If you don’t start working harder, you ..... repeat the course next year.

6. Phone her now. She ..... home by now.

7. You ..... forget your sun cream. It’s going to be very hot!

8. I ..... be able to help you, but I’m not sure yet.

9. I really ..... try to get fit.

10. ..... you speak French? - Only a few words, but my Russian is pretty good.

11. I ..... help you, but I don’t want to.

12. You ..... not put your feet on the cafeteria tables.

13. I’m afraid I ..... play tennis tomorrow. I’ve got a dentist appointment.

14. The test starts at 10.30. You ..... be late.

References

• http://www.englishpage.com/modals/modalintro.html

• http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/modal-verbs.html