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MODAL VERBS
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
Permission.
Ability.
Obligation.
Prohibition.
Lack of necessity.
Advice.
Possibility.
Probability.
1. http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-modals.php
2. http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-modals-
present-past.php
3. http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-modals-must-
not-need-not.php
4. http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-exercise-modals-
meaning.php
NDWU 2082 / ENGLISH III – GRAMMAR NOTES
2
Source: http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-modals.php
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special
verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work,
play, visit..." They give additional information about the function of the main verb that
follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.
They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...
They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)
They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to express certainty, possibility,
willingness, obligation, necessity, ability
The verbs or expressions dare, ought to, had better, and need not behave like modal
auxiliaries to a large extent and may be added to the above list
NDWU 2082 / ENGLISH III – GRAMMAR NOTES
3
1. Permission
2. Ability
3. Obligation
4. Prohibition
5. Lack of necessity
6. Advice
7. possibility
8. probability
must
logical conclusion / Certainty He must be very tired. He's been working
all day long.
might
possibility, probability I might go on holiday to Australia next
NDWU 2082 / ENGLISH III – GRAMMAR NOTES
4
year.
Remember
Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", also called the bare infinitive.
Examples:
Source: http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-modals-present-
past.php
Example:
Present:
You should see a doctor.
Past:
You should have seen a doctor
Obligation:
Present = I must / have to work hard. -- Past = I had to work hard.
Ability:
Present = I can run fast. -- Past = I could run fast when I was young.
Lack of necessity:
Present = You don't have to / needn't take your umbrella. -- Past = You didn't have
to / didn't need to take your umbrella.
Advice You should see a doctor. You should have seen a doctor
Source: http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-must-have-
to.php
Must and have to, are modal verbs in English. This page will guide you to the proper use
of these modals.
Must
1. We use must to make a logical deduction based on evidence. It indicates that the
speaker is certain about something:
Examples:
Examples:
Have to
Like must, have to is used to express strong obligation, but when we use have to there is
usually a sense of external obligation. Some external circumstance makes the obligation
necessary.
Examples:
Source: http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-shall-will.php
I, we shall go
I, you, he, she, it, we, they will or 'll call you
I, we shan't give up
Uses of shall
It should be noted that shall is often used to make suggestions, offers or ask for advice. It
is used in questions as follows:
NDWU 2082 / ENGLISH III – GRAMMAR NOTES
9
As said above shall is used with first person singular and plural (I and we.) But there is a
very special use of shall with other persons to make a promise, command or threat as
noted below:
Source: https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/gerund-vs-infinitive-practice
Source: http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/english-language/gerunds/