Modal verbs

Modals are different from normal verbs:• they don't use an 's' for the third person singular

• they make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?')

• they are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to')

Ability• Can/Could – when we talk about a skill or abilityFor example: She can speak six languages. My grandfather could play golf very well. I can’t drive.

Habits• Will/Would – things we usually do, or did in the past• For example: John will always be late! When I lived in Italy, we would often

eat in the restaurant next to my flat.

Logical assumptions/Deductions• Must – Sure/Certain that something is trueFor example: You must be exhausted!

• Can’t/couldn’t – Certain that something is not true/realFor example: That can’t be John, he is on holiday in Italy at the moment.

Possibility• Can + present infinitive – General possibility, something is theoretically

possibleFor example: For the main course you can have pasta or pizza.

• Could/May/Might + present infinitive – It is possible/likely, used in a specific situation

For example: You should keep that picture, it may be valuable one day.

Note: we can use can/could/might in questions BUT NOT may. Do you think you can/could/might fix it?

Obligation/Duty/Necessity• Must – especially when the speaker has decided that something is necessaryFor example: I must help her.

• Have to – especially when somebody other than the speaker has decided that something is necessary

For example: We have to wear a uniform at school.

• Should/Ought toFor example: We should redecorate the living room soon.

• Need For example: Need I finish the report today?

Absence of necessity• Needn’t/Don’t have to/Don’t need to + present infinitive – it is not

necessary to do somethingFor example: You don’t need to take the dog for a walk, I will do it.

• Didn’t need to/Didn’t have to – in the pastFor example: She didn’t need to/have to pay the whole amount today.

Prohibition• Mustn’t/Can’t – it is forbidden to do something, it is against the

rules/lawFor example: You mustn’t/can’t drive if you haven’t got a licence.

Permission• Can/Could/May – to ask for and give permissionFor example: Could I leave early today? May I open the window? Can we swim in the lake?

Modal verbs: polite requests