5th grade. Modal Verbs



Modal Verbs


The modal verbs are auxiliary verbs, they do not change their form (spelling)
and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present). These are:
can
will
could
may
must
might
shall
would
should
have to




We use modals to do things like talking about ability,
asking permission making requests and offers, and so on.


Modal
Meaning
Example
can
to express ability
I can speak a little Russian.
can
to request permission
Can I open the window?
may
to express possibility
I may be home late.
may
to request permission
May I sit down, please?
must
to express obligation
I must go now.
must
to express strong belief
She must be over 90 years old.
should
to give advice
You should stop smoking.
would
to request or offer
Would you like a cup of tea?
would
in if-sentences
If I were you, I would say sorry.
Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", also called the bare infinitive.

Examples:

  • You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
  • You should see to the doctor.

  • There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. You need not buy any.



Now... are you ready to play??? Here are some games to test your knowledge.

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