Simple modal verbs

MODAL VERBS

IES La Albericia English 3º ESO

Index

1. What are modal verbs?

4. Use of modal verbs

5. Semi-modals

2. Characteristics

6. Links and practice

3. Modal verbs

What are modal verbs?

Auxiliary verbs that express modalities, such as possibility, ability, prohibition and necessity.

No 3rd person -s

CHARACTERISTICS OF MODAL VERBS

We don't add -s with the 3rd person singular (except for have to).You must study more. She must study more.

No do/does

No "to" infinitive

They don't need do/does to make negative or interrogative sentences (except for have to).Should I do it? No, you shouldn't. They might not be ready yet.

They are never followed by "to" (except for ought to, be able to, need to, have to)We can go now.

MODAL VERBS (modal + base form of the verb)

Should / Shouldn'tPeople should be careful with their passwords. MustYou must study more if you want to pass the exam. Mustn't You mustn't run in the corridor. It is forbidden.

Can / can'tDad, can we have pizza for dinner, please?Could / couldn'tCould you please help me with this? May / may not May I go to the toilet, please?

Ability

USE OF MODAL VERBS

Obligation

Probability

Advice

Lack of obligation

Permission and request

Prohibition

SEMI-MODALS

Semi-modal verbs are a group of verbs in English that share some features with modal verbs but are not true modals. Unlike modal verbs, semi-modal verbs can show tense and person, and they can take do as an auxiliary verb in negative and interrogative sentences.

Have to

Don't have to

- We have to run! The bus will be here in 5 minutes.- To enter the club, members have to show their card.

- Don't worry, you don't have to bring anything to the party. We have enough food for everybody.

LINKS AND PRACTICE!