Modal Verbs

Can May Might Will Modals never change in form or end in –s or –ed. I can play tennis. The simple form of another verb comes after a modal in a full sentence. e.g. I can swim. You might get sick. I will read this book tomorrow.

Statements with Modals Modals come before the simple form of a verb. I can swim. - Don’t use to before the verb. The rain may stop soon. - Will can appear in short forms. She’ll call you tonight I’ll = I will, she’ll = she will, you’ll = you will

Negative Statements Can >>> Can’t Will >>> Won’t May >>> May not Might >>> Might not May not and might not cannot appear in contractions

Yes/no Questions with Modals Modals come before the subject. Yes, I can go with you. No, I can’t Can you go with me? Might it rain tomorrow? Yes, it might.

Information questions The modals come before the subject. - They will go to school Where will they go? - Carlos may visit us. Who may visit us? Hiroshi may not stay. Who may not stay?

Meanings Can: ability or inability I can speak English. He can’t play tennis. Can you swim?

May/ Might: future possibility It may rain. I might not go out.

Will: future plans/ predictions I’ll see you tomorrow. Will you buy a tent? The shop won’t be crowded.