What are modal verbs? English Grammar Explanations

What are modal verbs?

Asked by @ Justice Batri (Community Student)

What are modal verbs

Answered by @ Elo Kasia

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What are modal verbs

Modals, Modal Verbs, Types of Modal Verbs: Useful List & Examples | English Grammar

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TO BE with expressions of obligation, request and command

Question Time: What are modal verbs?

  @ Justice Batri , Thank you for your question

  As usual, I will try to explain the difference using simple language and plenty of examples.

• They are followed by the infinitive (without “to”) à They couldn’t sleep. (not They couldn’t to sleep)
   
   
• They do not need another helping verb to make negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? (not Do I must come?), or: He shouldn’t smoke (not He doesn’t should smoke).
   
   
• They are sometimes complicated as they can have different meanings depending on the situation.

Below is a list showing the most useful modal verbs and their most common meanings:

to express ability or is something possible to do

• I can speak a little Spanish. I can’t come to the party.

to ask permission or to make a request

• Can I open the window? Can you help me?

to express possibility or to request permission

• I may be home late. May I sit down?

• do something
• I must go now. I must clean my car today.

• She must be over 90 years old.

• You mustn’t be late.

• You should stop smoking.

• Would you like a cup of tea?

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Elo Kasia

Community Mentor for ” English Grammar and Speaking Academy“.

Director at Eloquent Learning Online, educational institution based in the UK. www.eloquentlearning.com.

What are modal verbs