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Understanding Modal Verbs and Their Functions

The document provides a comprehensive overview of modal verbs, detailing their various functions such as ability, permission, possibility, and obligation. Each modal verb is accompanied by examples and substituting expressions to illustrate its use. The table format allows for easy reference and understanding of the different contexts in which modal verbs can be applied.

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jannatelouahabi812
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4 views2 pages

Understanding Modal Verbs and Their Functions

The document provides a comprehensive overview of modal verbs, detailing their various functions such as ability, permission, possibility, and obligation. Each modal verb is accompanied by examples and substituting expressions to illustrate its use. The table format allows for easy reference and understanding of the different contexts in which modal verbs can be applied.

Uploaded by

jannatelouahabi812
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Modal verbs

with this table, you will be able to understand the different functions Modal
verbs have . Example and substituting verbs and expressions are also given

Substituting
Modal Verb Function
verb

• Ability – John can speak English, but he


can’t speak Spanish. • To be able to
• Ability (in the past) – My mother could • To be
swim when she was younger. capable of
can could • Possibility – I can learn English. • To be
• Permission – Can I go out please? (im)possible to
• Offer – Can I help you, madam? • To be
• Request – Could you bring me a cup of allowed to
tea, please?

• To be
• Permission (politeness) – May I open the
allowed to
window, please?
• To be likely
• Possibility – The chauffeur may be in the
Migh to
May car.
t • To be
Susan may not come tomorrow.
probable to
You might participate in the contest.
• Perhaps…
• Probability – It might rain.
will

• Requests (more polite) – Would you mind • To want


Woul closing the door? • To desire
Will
d • Determination/intention – I will pass • To be
the exam. determined to

• Do you
want…?
• Let’s
• Offer – Shall I open the door for you?
• To have to
Shoul • Suggestion – Shall we go to the cinema?
Shall (morally)
d • Advice – You should eat more
• To be the
vegetables.
(moral) duty
• … Would
better…
Substituting
Modal Verb Function
verb

• Obligation/duty – You must do your • To have to


homework, whether you want to or not. • To be obliged
Must/Have Had • Deduction – He has a great car. He must to
to to earn a lot of money. • To have the
• Necessity – You must go to the doctor if obligation
you can’t see well. • To be certain

• To be
• Prohibition – You mustn’t cross the road forbidden
Mustn’t
when the red light is on. • To be
prohibited to

• Recommendation/moral obligation –
Ought to • To have to
You ought to study more.

• To be
necessary
Need/ • (Absence of) obligation/necessity –
• Don’t need
Needn’t You needn’t run. It’s still early.
to
• Don’t have to

• Audacity or lack of it – How dare • To have the


Dare
you?/He daren’t look at me. courage to

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