What is a modal verb?
Hecho por Elena Bartolomé, Gema Santesteban y Juanjo restrepo
Definition
Modal or Semimodal
Modal verbs are used to express certain hypothetical conditions, such as advisability, capability, or requests. They’re used alongside a main verb to inflect its meaning.
A semi-moodal is used to express the same things as modals, but are a combination of auxiliarity verbs and the preposition to
A modal is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation
Characteristics
Use and examples
- Ability/Permission: Can/ Could / be able (-/+) - Obligation: Must/Have to (-/+) - Advice: Should/Ought to/ Be allowed to (-/+) - Possibility: Might/May (-/+) - Request: Will/ Would (-/+)
In the third person singular form, ‘s’ is not used with these verbs
The form of the modals never change
These can only be used with another verb
They don't have past forms
Modal verbs infographic
Elena Bartolome Sig�enza
Created on September 18, 2023
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Transcript
What is a modal verb?
Hecho por Elena Bartolomé, Gema Santesteban y Juanjo restrepo
Definition
Modal or Semimodal
Modal verbs are used to express certain hypothetical conditions, such as advisability, capability, or requests. They’re used alongside a main verb to inflect its meaning.
A semi-moodal is used to express the same things as modals, but are a combination of auxiliarity verbs and the preposition to
A modal is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation
Characteristics
Use and examples
- Ability/Permission: Can/ Could / be able (-/+) - Obligation: Must/Have to (-/+) - Advice: Should/Ought to/ Be allowed to (-/+) - Possibility: Might/May (-/+) - Request: Will/ Would (-/+)
In the third person singular form, ‘s’ is not used with these verbs
The form of the modals never change
These can only be used with another verb
They don't have past forms