Modal Verbs (not including semi-modals)

A modal verb (also modal, modal auxiliary verb, modal auxiliary) is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to

indicate modality – that is, likelihood, ability, permission, and obligation.

MODAL VERBS

Long-term Goal

CAN

Ability Permission Request/Offer

CAN'T

Lack of ability/possibility Negative deduction Prohibition

Fulfilling Customer Needs

Ask me a question !

Make sentences ! What do the signs show?

Summarize the special features and advantages of the product being introduced

Could

Ability in the past Possibility Condition Permission Polite request Suggestion

Next Steps of Action

Role Play between you and your teacher! Ask for help politely!

May/Might

Possibility Request/Permission

In which case would you use each example?

Will

Prediction Spontaneous decision Request Threat Promise

Make predictions !

It's raining ! So...?

Role play between a mother and a child !

What is the kitten doing?

How can you ask someone to be patient?

Would

Request Past habit (not used with stative verbs) Condition

Examples

Would you please close the door for me? It's too cold in here !

Every winter I would go skiing with Penny. I would come to your house if I wasn't/weren't sick.

BE CAREFUL!

Every winter I would go skiing with Penny.

BUT NOT

Every winter I would have a cold.

Would is only used for past actions not past situations/states.

Should/ought to

Advice/Recommendation

e.g. You should/ought to go to the doctor today.

Give advice !

Must

Obligation Positive conclusion

Examples

My mother says I must tidy my room. They must be at home right now.

They 've just finished school. How do they feel? Guess!

What does the sign show?

Mustn't

Prohibition (stricter than can't)

e.g. You mustn't be late !

You thought there wasn't such a sign? What does it show?

Shall (+I, we)

Suggestion Offer of help

e.g. Shall we go to the cinema tonight?

Shall I help you carry these boxes?

Make requests or ask for permission with the modals given or add your own ones!