MODAL VERBS

1. República Bolivariana de Venezuela
Instituto Universitario Politécnico Santiago Mariño
Sección: SAIA Inglés II
Carrera: Ing. de Sistemas
Teacher:
Cesar Velásquez
Realizado por:
Michelle Rojas C.I:27650146
Porlamar, 04 Noviembre de 2017

2. MODAL VERBS
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that can not function as a main verb, a difference of the
auxiliary verbs "to be", "to do" and "to have" that can function as a main verb.
Modal verbs express modality, ability, possibility, need or other condition. We use them
for the future and the conditional.
As complementary verbs that are, modal verbs do not work without another verb. This
other verb always after the modal verb and is at the base of the form (the infinitive
without "a"). Modal verbs are not conjugated and do not have time.
Modal verbs are:
• can
• could
• may
• might
• will
• shall
• should
• ought to
• must/have to
• would

3. CHARACTERISTICS:
A characteristic of modal verbs is that they do not behave like other
verbs:
*The -s is not added to the third person singular;
*Do not use the auxiliary do / does in the interrogative or negative way
*Most do not have a future shape;
*The verb that follows it in infinitive does not lead to (except for ought
to);
*They do not have an object complement.

4. Uses:
CAN
"Can" indicates ability or possibility. In these cases it can be translated as "power" in
Spanish. Examples:
1. I can speak five languages.
2. We can work late tonight if you need us.
3. Bill and Tom can’t help you.
4. The restaurant can be expensive if you drink a lot of wine.
5. It can be dangerous to drive if you are tired.
-In interrogative phrases, the use of "can" can request permission or ask about
possibilities. Examples:
*Can I have a glass of water?
*Can you help me?
*Can they work late tonight?

5. COULD
"Could" indicates possibility or ability in the past. Examples:
1. Joe could speak Spanish when he was young.
2. I couldn’t sleep last night.
3. It could have been worse.
4. Could you play an instrument when you were a child?
You can also use "could" for future possibilities. Examples:
*You could pass the test if you studied.
*I think it could rain later.
-As "can", in interrogative phrases "could" can request permission or ask about the possibilities,
but it is more formal. Examples:
*Could you pass the salt please?
*Could you help me?
*Could I be wrong?
Note: "could" is used in conditional phrases.

6. MAY
As "could", "may" is used to indicate possibilities in the future. Examples:
1. I would bring an umbrella, it may rain later.
2. It may be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
-It can also be used to give permissions or instructions. Examples:
*You may leave if you like.
*You may use your cell phones now.
-In interrogative phrases, the use of "may" is more polite than "can" or "could".
Examples:
*May I have a glass of water?
*May I leave now?

7. MIGHT
"Might" is used to indicate possibilities in the present or the future. In these cases, it is a synonym
of "may".
Examples:
1. I would bring an umbrella, it might rain later.
2. It might be better to finish this now, rather than wait until tomorrow.
-It can also be used as "may", to request permits or make polite requests, although this use is
much more common in the United Kingdom than in the United States.

8. WILL
As we will see in later lessons, "will" is used to form the future tense.
Also the use of "will" means will or determination.
Examples:
1. I will help you.
2. We will learn English.
-"Will" is used in interrogative phrases to ask for information, a favor or about options.
Examples:
*Will they find a cure for cancer?
*Will you help me move?
*Will he go to Paris by car or train?

9. SHALL
"Shall" is used as "will" to form the future tense. The use of "shall" is much more common in the
United Kingdom and is generally more educated.
Examples:
1. Chris shall be happy to see you.
2. I’ll take the 3 o’clock train.
Note: The short forms "will" and "shall" are the same. Then "I'll" in the above example may mean
"I will" or "I shall".
-You can also use "shall" for offers and suggestions or to ask about options or preferences.
Examples:
*Shall we meet at 10pm?
*Shall we go to the movies or a museum?

10. SHOULD
"Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation. Reflects an opinion about what is right. It is
translated as the conditional of "duty" in Spanish.
Examples:
1. I should call my parents more often.
2. You shouldn’t work so hard.
3. They should practice more if they want to win the championship.
-"Should" is used in interrogative phrases to ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a
recommendation.
Examples:
*Should we leave a tip?
*Should I have the steak or the chicken?
*Where should they meet you?

11. OUGHT TO
"Ought to" is a synonym for "should" although it is less common.
Examples:
1. She ought to quit smoking.
2. I ought to call my parents more often.
3. They ought to work less.
-Note: "ought to" is never used in interrogative phrases in American English.

12. MUST
"Must" indicates an obligation, prohibition or necessity. You can also use "have to" in affirmative
sentences. Examples:
1. You must [have to] read this book, it’s fantastic.
2. You must [have to] brush your teeth two times a day
3. We must [have to] leave now or we will be late.
4. You must not drink and drive.
5. When must we meet you?
-You can also use "must" to indicate probability or assume something. Examples:
*John’s not here. He must be sick because he never misses class.
*It must be difficult to learn a new language as an adult.
- It is also possible to use "must" for rhetorical questions. Examples:
*Must you always be late?
*Must she talk so much?

13. WOULD
"Would" is used to declare a preference and to ask for something politely.
Examples:
1. She would like to go to New York someday.
2. I would like a beer and my wife would like a glass of wine please.
3. Would you like some coffee?
4. Would you help me please?
5. When would you like to go to the movies?
Note: "would" is used in conditional phrases.