This lesson has two parts. Part 1 explains the grammar of modal verbs and where they are placed in a sentence or question. Part 2 explains the meaning of each modal verb and provides example sentences.
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Modal verbs are also called modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries, or simply modals. These verbs are a subcategory of auxiliary verbs, which means they cannot be used without a main verb. English has ten modal verbs.
can | could | |
may | might | |
shall | should | |
will | would | |
must | ought |
While the meaning and usage of modal verbs is complicated, the grammar is simple. Modal verbs are not conjugated: they have no tense and no person, so they never change.
All modal verbs must be followed by a main verb in the base form except for ought which is followed by an infinitive.
subject | modal verb |
main verb (base form) |
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They | can | come | |
Mike | should | walk. | |
You | must | go | |
We | will | wait. | |
She | ought | incorrect |
Attention: many English learners make the mistake of placing an infinitive after every modal verb. This is incorrect.
subject | modal verb |
main verb (infinitive) |
|
They | can | incorrect | |
Mike | should | incorrect | |
You | must | incorrect | |
We | will | incorrect | |
She | ought | to study. |
In statements, the word order is subject + modal + main verb.
subject | modal verb |
main verb |
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Tom and Sue | might | arrive | later. |
Everyone | can | swim. |
In questions, the word order changes to modal + subject + main verb. Here are some examples with Yes / No questions.
modal verb |
subject | main verb |
Can | they | come? |
Should | Mike | drive? |
Here are some examples with Wh– questions.
Wh– word | modal verb |
subject | main verb |
When | can | they | eat? |
How | could | he | walk? |
When forming negative statements, the negative adverb not is placed between the modal verb and the main verb.
subject | modal verb |
main verb |
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You | must | not | disturb | the baby. |
They | should | not | drive | at night. |
When asking questions in the negative, the modal verb and a negative adverb not are always contractions.
modal + not (contracted) |
subject | main verb |
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Couldn’t | Tom | come | to the party? |
Shouldn’t | you | rest? |
To learn more details about modal verbs and how they express moods such as ability, possibility, necessity or other conditions, go to page 2.
Related lessons:
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Robbers broke into my house, a lot of money and valuable things ( was stolen – were stolen – has been stolen – have been stolen ).
I think the answer is “were stolen”, isn’t it ?
Yes, “a lot of money and valuable things were stolen.”