MODALS
 A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb
that is used to express: ability, possibility,
permission or obligation.
 Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to
express the same things as modals, but are a
combination of auxiliary verbs and the
preposition to.
MODALS
 Modal verbs are used to express certain
hypothetical conditions, such as advice,
capability, or requests. They’re used
alongside a main verb to change its meaning
slightly. Because they’re auxiliary verbs, they
can’t necessarily be used on their own.
MODALS
 Consider the difference between these
two examples:
 I swim every Tuesday.
 I can swim every Tuesday.
MODALS
 The first example is a simple factual
statement. The speaker participates in a
swimming activity every week on Tuesdays.
 The second example uses the modal verb
can. Notice how the meaning changes
slightly. The speaker does not swim every
Tuesday; they’re saying they are capable of
swimming every Tuesday if they need to.
Examples
 1. Can/could/be able to
 2. May/might
 3. Shall/should
 4. Must/have to
 5. Will/would
 1. Can, Could, Be Able To Can, could and be
able to are used to express a variety of ideas
in English:
 A. Ability/Lack of Ability
1. Tom can write poetry very well.
2. I can help you with that next
week.
 Lack of Ability
1. I can’t beat Zorro in a swordfight.
2. I can’t eat 4 cups of rice in one
sitting.
More examples of Modals
Incorrect: I can to help you this
afternoon.

Correct: I can help you this afternoon.

Correct: I will (I’ll) be able to help you
this afternoon.

Possibility / Impossibility
 B. can / can’t + base form of the verb
 1. You can catch that train at 10:43.
 2. He can’t see you right now. He’s in
surgery.
 could + base form of the verb
 1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day
before.
Possibility
 In situations when something is possible but
not certain, use the modal verbs could, may,
or might.
1. Judging by the clouds, it might rain today.
2. She may become the youngest pro soccer
player ever.
Impossibility
1. Sneeze with Your Eyes Open.
2. Strange Tongue Tricks. ...
3. Touch Your Nose or Chin With You Tongue.
4. Wiggle Your Ear. ...
5. Twitch Your Nose. ...
6. Lick Your Elbow. ...
7. Raise One Eyebrow. ...
8. Touch your index finger and pinky finger
C. Ask Permission / Give Permission
Can + Subject + base form of the verb (informal)
1. Can you lend me ten dollars?
2. Can you call me later?
Can + base form of the verb (informal)
1. You can borrow my car.
2. You can have it if you want.
Could + subject + base form of the verb (polite)
1. Could I have your number?
2. Could I talk to your supervisor please?
Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t have to,
A. Necessity or Requirement
must / have to / need to + base form of the verb
1. You must have a passport to cross the border.
2. Elisabeth has to apply for her visa by March 10th.
3. I need to drop by his room to pick up a book.
2. I needed to drink a few cups of coffee in order to stay
awake.
Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t have to,
B. Almost 100% Certain
must + base form of the verb
1. Thomas has lived in Paris for years. His French must be
very good.
C. To Persuade
must / have to + base form of the verb
1. You must try this wine. It’s excellent.
2. You have to visit us while you’re in town.
D. Prohibited or Forbidden
must not / mustn’t + base form of the verb
1. You must not drive over the speed limit. 2.
2. You mustn’t leave medicines where children can get to
them.