English Modal Verbs ?

By Bahrom Almardanov

Choose one

What are Modal Verbs ?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important differences:

1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.



EXAMPLES: He can speak Russian. She should go now. My wife may join us for the dinner.

2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past.


EXAMPLES: You should not be late. I can not come to at 6pm. He may not like this idea. You must not disturb him now, he is busy. They didnt must do it. NOT CORRECT

3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.


EXAMPLES: He will can go with us. NOT CORRECT She musted study very hard. NOT CORRECT It mayed show yesterday. NOT CORRECT

1 3

Which sentence has a modal verb?



We have been arguing over this issue for half and hour, lets change the topic.

Do not turn on that computer, it is not working properly. We need to fix it.

Lets visit our grandpa, we have not seen him since Christmas.

Well Done!

Back to the Rule

Please choose the correct sentence



He cans climb the rocks. He canned climb the rocks. He can climb the rocks.

Fantastic!

Back to the Rule

Please choose correct negative form of modal verb



I dont can do it now, I am very busy till 5pm. You must dont smoke here, this place is smoke free. He should not procrastinate his assignments, he may not get good grades.

Great!

Back to the Rule

CAN

MAY

MUST
General rules about Modal verbs

1. 2. 3.

to express general ability to express possibility / impossibility to ask a permission (informal)

EXAMPLES:
 

I can sing and play the guitar. Anyone can learn how to use Computers if they want to. Can you help me to fix my door?
Take the test

1. 2. 3.

to express possibility to ask or to give a permission (formal) to make requests

EXAMPLES:
  

He may come late today. You may use my Computer now. May I make a phone call?

Take the test

1. 2. 3.

to express certainty to express necessity to make a strong recommendation

EXAMPLES:


 

You must be tired now, you have worked all day long. I must have a visa to go to Canada. CEP 811 is a very interesting class, you must take it too.
Take the test

Choose the best answer

If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you_______________ walk downtown and explore the waterfront.

Can

Will

Do

See the rules

Can

May

Must

Choose the best answer

Today is cloudy, it ________________ rain.

Does

May

Can

Can

May

Must

See the rules

Choose the best answer

Ted's flight from Uzbekistan took more than 11 hours. He ________________ be exhausted after such a long flight.

Can

May

Must

See the rules

If you have not studied one of these verbs click on.

Can

May
If you have, click here

Must

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