Read the highlighted words.

What ideas do they suggest?

 MODAL VERBS
I. DEFINITION
A modal verb or modals are helping
verbs.
They are combined with other verbs to
carry out complete meanings.

Two of my
friends can
play guitar
(ability)
MODAL VERBS

LIST OF MODAL VERBS

Can Should
Could Must
May
Might
II. STRUCTURE
Subject Modal verb Main verb Complement

I go to sleep.
must
We
can
They drink some water.
You should
He may eat some food.
She will
It do some exercise.

Use the basic form or INFINITIVE of

the main verbs after the modal verbs.
 MODAL VERBS

a. Modal verbs do not add s or es to the

third person singular.

He can swim. He cans swim.

 Can/Could
Modal Use Example
express ability to do I can/could make comic strips.
something (can is used for
present tense while could is
can/could used for past tense)
ask permission to do
something (can is used for Can/Could I go to the bookstore?
present tense while could is
used for past tense)
Can/could we buy a shelf for my comic
*make a request books?

* could is used in more Can/could you please explain the story’s

polite expressions ending?
 Can/Could and May
Modal Use Example

May ask permission to do May I go to the bookstore?

something (present
tense)

express possibility The comic book may be a big hit.

give a polite suggestion May I help you?

Write a meaningful sentence using an
appropriate modal.
1. Express a possibility to do something
2. Ask permission
3. Make a request
4. Express ability to do something
 MODAL VERBS
HOW TO USE
CAN
Use Example

Ability / Possibility  They can control their own work.

Impossibility  We can’t fix it.

Asking for permission  Can I bring here?

Request  Can you help me?

 MODAL VERBS

COULD
Use Example

permission  Could I borrow your dictionary?

Request  Could you say it again more slowly?

possibility  I think we could have another tea.

Future  I wish Cndrll could meet me next week.

Ability  He gave up his old job so he could
work for us.
 MODAL VERBS

MAY
Use Example

permission  May I have another cup of coffee?

possibility  I may finish my homework

 MODAL VERBS

MIGHT
Use Example

possibility  We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be

eating their dinner now.

.
 MODAL VERBS

OUGHT TO
Use Example

Saying what’s right or correct

 She ought to finish by next week.
 MODAL VERBS

SHALL

Use Example
Offer  Shall I help you with your luggage?

Suggestion  Shall we say 2.30 then?

Permission  Shall I do that or will you?

 MODAL VERBS
III. USAGE
SHOULD
Use Example

Saying what’s right or correct

 We should solve this problem.
Possibility  Fees should decrease next year.
 MODAL VERBS

WILL
Use Example

decisions  I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk

Offer  I'll do that for you if you like.

Promise  I’ll come back on Monday.

 MODAL VERBS
III. USAGE
WOULD
Use Example

permission  Would you mind if I brought a

friend with me?
Request  Would you mind waiting a moment?

Invitation  Would you like to play basketball this Friday?

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S H O U L D

C O U L D

S H A L L

W I L L

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