Modal verbs

Modal verbs are

CAN

COULD

MAY

MIGHT

MUST

SHALL

SHOULD

OUGHT (TO)

WILL

WOULD

Definition

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A modal verb (also modal, modal auxiliary verb, modal auxiliary) is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to indicate modality.The use of auxiliary verbs to express modality is a characteristic of Germanic languages.In the English language, a modal verb is an auxiliary verb that can be used to change the grammatical mood of a sentence. The key way to identify a modal verb is by its defectiveness (they have neither participles nor infinitives).

Exercise

Exercise 1

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Exercise 2

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Usage

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!Note The modal auxiliary verbs are always followed by the base form.The verb used to, which is explained here, can also be used like a modal verb.We use it for: CANAbility / PossibilityInability / ImpossibilityAsking for permissionRequestCOULDAsking for permission.RequestSuggestionFuture possibilityAbility in the past MAYAsking for permissionFuture possibility MIGHTPresent possibilityFuture possibilityMUSTNecessity / ObligationProhibition SHALLOfferSuggestionAsking what to do SHOULDSaying what’s right or correctRecommending actionUncertain prediction OUGHT (TO)Saying what’s right or correctWILLInstant decisionsOfferPromiseCertain prediction WOULDAsking for permissionRequestRequestMaking arrangementsInvitationPreferences

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1st lesson

2nd lesson