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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." 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." 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." Also gives strong advice, as in, "You must quit smoking now that you're pregnant."

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:

The Hangover Part 2

Drive

Love Letters

Fall Fashions

Hoaxes

Cut Corners

Britney Spears

The Ides of March

Practice TOEFL Vocabulary >

Comments

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padmarai96

India

i can’t go out because it is raining.

03:11 AM Jun 18 2013 |

clyza

clyza

Philippines

ok guys! you know …. i only have 7 days for free here …. so after that . i cant pay for another month… so please lets make my 7 days usefull here…. and by the way i am a filipina… thanks!!!!

08:03 AM Apr 25 2013 |

clyza

clyza

Philippines

we can be friends

08:02 AM Apr 25 2013 |

laxmisingh

laxmisingh

India

Great!


05:44 AM Mar 15 2013 |

mutaz gafar

Sudan

this first time on forums but Igot more imformation and good lesson thanks for you

03:29 AM Feb 14 2013 |

vinayaji

vinayaji

India

I should log out now, need to catch bus !

06:23 AM 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.


 


 


 

05:53 AM Feb 13 2013 |

1 person likes this

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。

06:53 AM Feb 04 2013 |

Sung H Won

Sung H Won

United States

I must study about modal.

07:41 PM Jan 19 2013 |

sjlixu

China

I would like to have friends!!

06:12 PM Jan 19 2013 |