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Modal verbs. Modalverbs are used to express ideas such as possibility, intention, obligation and necessity. Modal verb can is used: rules
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Modalverbs are used to express ideas such as possibility, intention, obligation and necessity.
| Modal verb CAN is used: | |||
| rules | examples | ||
| 1. | to express physical or mental ability, capability, possibility depending on circumstances; the equivalent of can in these meanings is the combination to be able to used in all tenses; the form could followed by the Perfect Infinitive indicates the probability of the action | I can prepare this presentation. She was not able to answer the questions of interview. He could have worked with these international organization at the beginning of his career. | |
| 2. | to express permission; the form couldis used in this meaning only in interrogative sentence to express a polite request | Could I have a talk with the ambassador? | |
| 3. | to express doubt, astonishment, incredulity; in these meanings the verb can is used only in interrogative and negative sentences but it may be followed by all forms of the infinitive | Can she be working now? | |
There is no future or perfect form of can. We use ‘to be able to’ in both future and perfect tenses:
She will be able to speak Spanish when she finishes the course.
| Modal verb MAY is used: | ||
| rules | examples | |
| 1. | to express permission; in this meaning the verb may is followed by the Indefinite Infinitive | May I come with you? |
| 2. | to express possibility depending on circumstances; in this meaning the verb may is used only in affirmative sentences. When might is followed by the Perfect Infinitive it shows that the action was not carried out | It may be dangerous to go there. You might have phoned to me at once. |
| 3. | to express supposition implying uncertainty; in this meaning the verb may is used in affirmative and negative sentences with all forms of the infinitive | He may have known about our deal. |
| 4. | to express reproach, disapproval; in this meaning only might is used | You might be more attentive during negotiations. |
| Modal verb MUST is used: | ||
| rules | examples | |
| 1. | to express obligation, duty, necessity; in these meanings the verb must is used in affirmative and interrogative sentences with the Indefinite Infinitive | I really must go. |
| 2. | to express prohibition; in this meaning the verb must is used in negative sentences and is followed by the Indefinite Infinitive | You must not talk aloud in the office. |
| 3. | to express order or advice; in these meanings the verb must is used with the Indefinite Infinitive in affirmative and negative sentences | Next week you must come to the office at nine. |
| 4. | to express supposition implying assurance; in this meaning the verb must is used with all forms of the Infinitive but only in affirmative sentences | She must have missed the announcement. |
| Modal verb TO HAVE TO is used: | ||
| rules | examples | |
| 1. | to express obligation or necessity depending on circumstances. Unlike other modal verbs, the verb to have to has the infinitive, the participles and the gerund. The interrogative and negative forms of the modal verb to have to in the Present Simple and in the Past Simple are formed by means of the auxiliary verb to do. The expression to have got is also used with modal meaning expressing obligation or necessity. | Our company had to sell most of its real estate. |