1. MODAL VERBS An overview

2. Modal verbs are invariable (do not take –s in the third person). – She can dance – He must study if he wants to pass. – She should find a new boyfriend. – He may go to the US next summer.

3. Modal verbs do not take auxiliaries (do, did). –Can you play the piano? –Should I stay or should I go?

4. Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without “to”. –Peter can speak four languages –They must stop making so much noise right now. –We might visit the Pergamon museum while in Berlin. –I think you should eat healthier food.

5. Modal verbs do not have past or future Will can Will must Will should Will may Caned Musted Shoulded mayed

6. CAN PASTPRESENTFUTURE WAS ABLE TO / COULD General ability in the past: I could read when I was four. I was able to read when I was four In a specific occasion I was able to swim across the river, but it wasn’t easy. CAN Ability I can play the piano Permission Can I go to the party, mum? WILL BE ABLE TO She will be able to pass the exam if she works hard enough.

7. MUST / HAVE TO PASTPRESENTFUTURE HAD TO: Obligation in the past We had to leave early because we had to study. ___________ COULDN’T / WASN’T ALLOWED TO: Past prohibition We weren’t allowed our cell phones in the embassy. MUST: Personal / feelings I must eat more healthily. HAVE TO: Impersonal/ rules/laws/traditions We have to wear a uniform in my school. ___________ MUSTN’T: Prohibition You mustn’t smoke in here. DON’T HAVE TO: Non obligation You don’t have to come to the theatre if you don’t want to. WILL HAVE TO: Obligation in the future I will have to take care of my little nephew tomorrow because my sister has a doctor appointment

8. SHOULD PASTPRESENT AND FUTURE SHOULD HAVE + participle Advice in the past You should have come earlier to get a better seat. SHOULD / SHOULDN’T Advice You shouldn’t smoke so much, it’s not good for you. You should talk to your sister, she is going through a bad time.

9. COULD / MAY / MIGHT PASTPRESENT AND FUTURE COULD HAVE MAY HAVE + participle MIGHT HAVE Possibility in the past She wasn’t at the party last night. She may have been sick. MAY (more common in writing) COULD/MIGHT (more common in speaking) Possibility He may not come to dinner tomorrow. She’s late. She might be stuck in a traffic jam