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Modal Verbs

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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."

Comments

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05:39 AM Jul 01 2009 | Reply

esz8

esz8

Saudi Arabia

thank you

03:56 AM Jul 01 2009 | Reply

shekharkc

Nepal

i most practise it then i know what is different between them

08:02 AM May 04 2009 | Reply

bahus

Kazakhstan

and what about another modal verbs e.g. ought to, have to to be able to

09:32 AM May 03 2009 | Reply

belal_2009

Yemen

thanks a lot

 

10:17 AM May 02 2009 | Reply

riojix

riojix

Peru

that's good i was forgetting those word and i brought back every thing, thanks

10:12 AM Apr 28 2009 | Reply

elencristy

Brazil

it´s very helpful; thanks

01:01 PM Apr 27 2009 | Reply

yawar

yawar

Pakistan

please tell me about would,and where is it used,

09:41 AM Apr 23 2009 | Reply

Irisrod

Cape Verde

I think that your lesson could not be more clear. That's a nice way to learn english. Thank you for helping us to improve our english.

03:07 PM Apr 20 2009 | Reply

Miss.Nana

Miss.Nana

Saudi Arabia

good lesson.Thank you so much

11:28 AM Apr 19 2009 | Reply

s id

Saudi Arabia

thanks  for this great information  i really  need  this information  bytheway  we can use might  in past     thank u