can could may might will would shall should ought to must You should exercise more. I must see a doctor. May I eat this apple? This can’t be healthy!

can could may might will would shall should ought to must

You should exercise more.

I must see a doctor.

May I eat this apple?

This can’t be healthy!modal verbs

Características

dos modal verbs

São verbos auxiliares, portanto a negação é feita com verb + not, e a forma interrogativa é feita com o verbo antes do sujeito:

You shouldn’t overeat.

May I speak to you in private?

Com exceção de ought to, nunca são precedidos ou seguidos de to:

We must to visit Rod.Wrong

Usos dos modal

verbs

Dedução – Must expressa certeza que sim.

He must have the flu. He has all the typical symptons.

Possibilidade

“...I may be suffering from an eating disorder...”

A cure for cancer might never be discovered.

You could be developing bulimia.

Impossibilidade – can’t expressa certeza que não.

Brad can’t be sick. I spoke to him ten minutes ago.

Conselho – should e ought to são as formas mais comuns.

You should get professional help.

You ought to take some vitamin C to prevent influenza.

Permissão – can, could ou may podem ser usados.

You can open the window if you like.

May I take some of your painkiller?

Could we have your book for a few days?

You may now kiss the bride.

Mais informal

Mais formais

Pedidos / Solicitações – can, could, will e would podem ser usados.

Could you buy me some medicine?

Can you change this light bulb for me?

Will you please reserve a table in the non-smoking area for us?

Desejos mais formais - may

May the Lord protect you.

May you always have good health.

Habilidades / capacidades – can e could

He can lift very heavy weights at the gym.

He could run for miles when he was younger.