MODAL VERBS IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR BY Asst Prof

MODAL VERBS IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR BY: Asst. Prof. Muayad R. Habib / Dept. of English College of Basic Education / Mar. 2020

Definition of Modal Verbs Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs ( also called helping verbs ) such as : can, could , shall, should, must , will, would , may, might, ought to, etc. Modal Verbs add meaning to the main verb in a sentence by expressing: possibility, ability, permission or obligation.

Why Modal Verbs? To indicate that something is probable or possible, not so. . This can’t be our bill. It is not possible that this is our bill. . It is sunny today ; it must be warm outside. It is sunny today, It is probably warm outside.

CAN / COULD They are used to refer to skills or abilities. Jack can cover a hundred meters in under ten seconds. My grandparents could see perfectly before the age of eighty.

MUST / SHOULD ‘Must’ is used to show that something is necessary or of extreme Importance, and ‘Should’ is to suggest that something is advisable. . You must do your homework. . We mustn’t skip school. You should say sorry.

CAN / COULD / MAY They are used to ask for, give and withhold permission Can I try my hand at it? You may not enter the premises. Could we disperse early today?

WILL / WOULD We use them to refer to habits and inclinations. . When I was a child, I would often climb trees. . She would never do such a thing. . I will never refuse you anything.

IMPORTANT HINTS Modal Verb + Bare Infinitive (Zero Infinitive) go, write, swim, read, ….

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