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Modal Verbs: Rules and Usage Guide

The document outlines the rules and uses of modal verbs, including their forms and functions in expressing ability, permission, possibility, advice, obligation, prohibition, deduction, necessity, and requests. It highlights that modal verbs are followed by bare infinitives, do not change form based on the subject, and cannot be used together. Additionally, it mentions semi-modals and provides examples for each category.

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7 views11 pages

Modal Verbs: Rules and Usage Guide

The document outlines the rules and uses of modal verbs, including their forms and functions in expressing ability, permission, possibility, advice, obligation, prohibition, deduction, necessity, and requests. It highlights that modal verbs are followed by bare infinitives, do not change form based on the subject, and cannot be used together. Additionally, it mentions semi-modals and provides examples for each category.

Uploaded by

cmilevale0913
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODAL

VERBS
RULES
1. THEY ARE FOLLOWED BY BARE INFINITIVE (INFINITIVE WITHOUT TO)

2. THEIR FORM DOES NOT CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE SUBJECT.

3. THEY CANNOT BE USED TOGETHER.

*SEMI-MODALS AND OTHER EXCEPTIONS


ABILITY
• CAN (present)
I can´t play the piano today. My arm hurts.

• COULD (past)
I could play the piano when I was little.

*BE ABLE TO (present, past and future): specific situations.


I was able to escape before the fire spread.
PERMISSION
• CAN: Can I open the window? - FORMAL

• COULD: Could I open the window?

• MAY: May I open the window?

• MIGHT: Might I open the window? + FORMAL

*BE ALLOWED TO (present, past and future): you have been given permission to do something.
I am allowed to open the window
POSSIBILITY
• CAN: It can rain tomorrow. + PROBABLE

• COULD: It could rain tomorrow.

• MAY: It may rain tomorrow.

• MIGHT: It might rain tomorrow. - PROBABLE


ADVICE
• SHOULD: You should go to the doctor. - FORMAL

• OUGHT TO: You ought to go to the doctor. + FORMAL

• HAD BETTER: Stronger advice; warning; threat.


You had better not be late.
OBLIGATION
• MUST: Internal obligation: The speaker feels he or somebody else are obliged
to do something.

I must study harder for my next test.

• HAVE TO (present and past) External obligation: Not the speaker´s


opinion, but an external factor.
I have to wear a uniform at work.
I had to wear a uniform when I worked for Alsa.
PROHIBITION
• CAN´T: “no puedes”
You can´t smoke inside the bar.

• MUSTN´T: “no debes”


You mustn´t smoke when you are near a sick person.
DEDUCTION AND SPECULATION
• MUST: Positive deduction
That blonde woman who is looking at me must be my teacher.

• CAN´T: Negative deduction


That blonde woman who is looking at me can´t be my teacher. She is brunette.
(LACK OF) NECESSITY
NECESSITY:
• Need to
I need to find my keys. Otherwise, I cannot leave.

LACK OF NECESSITY:
• Needn´t: Specific necessity (on one specific occasion)
Tell him he needn’t wash the dishes. I’ll do it later.
• Don´t need to (don´t have to) (past) : General necessity (not on one
specific occasion)
The doctor said I don’t need to wear glasses.
REQUESTS, SUGGESTIONS AND OFFERS
• CAN - FORMAL

• COULD

• WILL

• WOULD

• MAY

• SHALL + FORMAL

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