Can, could, must, may,should…
Modal verbs revision for 3rd ESOPepa Mut
They are “helping” verbs that add information to the main verb.
She mustn’t chat with strangers. Negative form: + NOTHe can’t come today. Questions: subject-verb inversionMay I sit here, please? They never change in form: Regular verbs: go, goes, doesn’t go, going …Modals: can / can’t (She can/can’t swim)
What are modal verbs?
He can speak French well. ABILITY
He can’t be rich, I’m sure. CERTAINTY (-)
She can come at any time. POSSIBILITY
Can I go out, please? PERMISSION
Can you help me, please? REQUEST
CAN / CAN’T
Could I borrow your pencil, please?POLITE REQUEST
We could go there later.POSSIBILITY
I couldn’t read when I was 4 years old.PAST ABILITY
COULD / COULDN’T
You must study and work hard. You must have an ID card to enter.
OBLIGATION She must be ill.
CERTAINTY
You mustn’t fight with your brother. You mustn’t drive without a license.
PROHIBITION
MUST / MUSTN’T
May I have another one, please?POLITE
REQUEST
China may become a major economic power.POSSIBILITY
MAY / MAY NOT
You should eat healthy. You shouldn’t spend so many hours on the
computer. Should I call my mother?
ADVICE
SHOULD / SHOULDN’T