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Modal Verbs

Modal verbs come before and modify the main verb in a sentence and help explain ideas like possibility, necessity, or obligation. Here are several modal verbs and their functions:

Might expresses uncertainty about the present or future, as in, "I might quit my job next month," or, "It might be cold out, so bring a jacket."

Can expresses ability or possibility, as in, "I can speak French and Spanish," or, "Students can get cheaper tickets at the movies." It also asks permission or makes a request, as in, "Can you come over tonight?"

Should expresses obligation, as in, "I should study for my math test," or probability, as in, "The package should arrive tomorrow, since I sent it last week." It also gives advice, as in, "I think you should go out with Jesse."

Must expresses necessity or obligation, as in, "I must go see my grandmother this weekend." It also gives strong advice, as in, "You must quit smoking now that you're pregnant."

Other modal verbs and modal verb phrases include: will, may, could, would, have to, need to, ought to, and be able to.

Modal Verbs Grammar Quiz

  1. I wish you come over tomorrow.

  2. If Janna was more outgoing, she have more friends.

  3. Mark walk well because he sprained his foot.

  4. you please pass me the salt?

  5. If you want to meet more girls, you come dancing with me on Friday.

Go Super to see the answers! Go Super!

Modal Verbs Lessons:

Weddings

Try It On For Size

Roll Out the Red Carpet

Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Hot Weather

Harrison Ford

Break the Bank

Girls' Night Out

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Comments

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vinayaji

vinayaji

India

I should log out now, need to catch bus !

02:23 PM Feb 13 2013 |

DAMAVAND

DAMAVAND

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Summary for using better


Modal verb: Subject + modal + verb word  


They might visit us.


Can        possibility, ability, and permission


Could    possibility, ability in the past


May       probability (about 50% or more), permission


Might    probability less than may about 20-30% it’s not usual to happen!


Must     necessity, logical conclusion


Shall      future with emphasis


Should  advice, obligation, prediction


Will        future


Would   condition


Modal for events in the present: subject+ modal + be + gerund (verb + ing)


 He must be upset now.


My friend must be calling now.


Modal for events in the past (logical conclusions with use of must): Subject + modal + have + participle + adverb (past time)


My friend must have called last night.= My friend called last night surely.


 


 


 

01:53 PM Feb 13 2013 |

Alpenliebe

Alpenliebe

China

This is the first day of my studying English here in Ebaby.I would like to make friends with all of you.


Please exhibitions。

02:53 PM Feb 04 2013 |

Sung H Won

Sung H Won

United States

I must study about modal.

03:41 AM Jan 20 2013 |

sjlixu

China

I would like to have friends!!

02:12 AM Jan 20 2013 |

rhm

Egypt

how to write agood paraqgraph

06:20 PM Dec 29 2012 |

favourbelrra

United States



Hello,
It is my greatest joy to say hi to you on this beautiful and lovely day.
Having said this,it is my wish to establish a long lasting and strong friendship with
you.’Friendship is the greatest blessing on earth and a friend is a gift our heart treasures.I hope you accept my proposal and i wait for your reply soonest for
introduction.()
Yours favour

01:34 PM Nov 23 2012 |

bryant wongSuper Member!

China

In question 2, it uses ‘would’. How can we use ‘would’?

09:51 AM Nov 10 2012 |

Mr. Learner

Peru

@khaethe, Thanks.

03:10 AM Oct 25 2012 |

1 person likes this

khaethe

khaethe

Philippines

@Mr. Learne could is past  of can,can also use to have polite requests or theoretical possibility.

12:10 PM Oct 23 2012 |