Intermediate 1 ESOL Grammar Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs What are modal verbs? must may will shall can could would should might
Modal Verbs Modal verbs: usually come before another verb I might go to the library now. are used with the infinitive but without the ‘to’ I might go to the library now. not I might to go to the library now. He can read French. not He can to read French.
Modal Verbs How do you form a modal verb? The same form is used for all: I/you/he/she/it/we/they can I/you/he/she/it/we/they would I/you/he/she/it/we/they could I/you/he/she/it/we/they will I/you/he/she/it/we/they might
Modal Verbs How do you form negatives? The negatives are: cannot/can’t will not/won’t, shall not/shan’t (usually only with I or We) could not/couldn’t would not/wouldn’t should not/shouldn’t must not/mustn’t might not, no short form may not, no short form
Modal Verbs How do you form questions with modal verbs? Change the word order: She can swim. Can she swim? He will pass the test. Will he pass the test? I can help you. Can I help you?