1. Modal Verbs

2. Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..." They are used to indicate modality. They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.

3. Modal verbs are used to express functions such as: Permission Ability Obligation Prohibition Lack of necessity Advice possibility probability

4. Remember Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to" Examples: You must stop when the traffic lights turn red You should see to the doctor There are a lot of tomatoes in the fridge. You need not buy any. Exception: You ought to go to the doctor

5. can/ could /will be able to Ability I can swim

6. Can /Could Possibility, probability Scotland could be very warm in September Asking for and giving permissions Can you come and see me tomorrow Making orders, requests and offers Can I carry your bag? Could we help you?

7. May/Might Possibility, probability She might be there tomorrow She may be shopping

8. May /Might / be allowed to Asking for, giving or refusing permission May I put on the telly? I wonder if I might have a little more cake?