MODAL ADVERBS

• What are modal verbs?

  A special type of auxiliary verb that alters or completes the meaning of the main verb.
• What ideas do modal verbs express?

  They express ideas such as capacity, possibility, obligation, permission, prohibition, probability, supposition, request, and desire.
• How do modal verbs affect the level of formality in conversation?

  They can indicate the level of formality in the conversation.
• Do modal verbs take "s" for the third person singular?

  No, they do not take "s" for the third person singular.
• What are the main modal verbs in English?

  • CAN
  • COULD
  • MAY
  • MIGHT
  • MUST
  • SHALL
  • SHOULD
  • WILL
  • WOULD
  • OUGHT TO
• What does the modal verb "CAN" express?

  It expresses ideas such as capacity, permission, or request.
• Give an example of "CAN" expressing capacity.


  She can speak French.
• Give an example of "CAN" expressing permission.

  He can come in now.
• Give an example of "CAN" expressing a request.

  Can you lend me your pen, please?
• What does the modal verb "COULD" express?

  It expresses possibility, past ability, suggestions, and requests.
• Give an example of "COULD" expressing possibility.

  Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.
• Give an example of "COULD" expressing past ability.

  John could run very fast when he was younger.
• Give an example of "COULD" expressing a suggestion.

  We could go to an ice-cream parlor or stay home and watch a movie.
• Give an example of "COULD" expressing a request.

  Could I use your cell phone for a moment?
• What does the modal verb "MAY" express?

  It is most commonly used to express possibility and to give or ask for permission.
• Give an example of "MAY" expressing possibility.

  Maria may be at school or at home.
• Give an example of "MAY" asking for permission.

  May he leave the room with me?
• Give an example of "MAY" giving permission.

  Yes, he may leave the room with you.
• What does the modal verb "MIGHT" indicate?

  It is commonly used to indicate possibility and can also be used to make suggestions or requests.
• Give an example of "MIGHT" expressing possibility.

  Your backpack might be under the desk.
• Give an example of "MIGHT" making a suggestion.

  You might go to the Bodódromo during your visit.
• Give an example of "MIGHT" as a request.


  Might I open the door?
• What does the modal verb "MUST" express?


  It can be used to talk about certainty, obligation, prohibition, necessity, or strong recommendation.
• Give an example of "MUST" expressing probability.


  She must be sick. She never gets late to school.
• Give an example of "MUST" expressing necessity.

  Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school.
• Give an example of "MUST" expressing strong recommendation.

  You must drink a lot of water to protect your voice.
• Give an example of "MUST" expressing obligation.

  Sarah, you must always do your homework.
• What does the modal verb "SHALL" indicate?

  It indicates a future action and is commonly used with the first person singular and plural.
• Give an example of "SHALL" in a suggestion.

  Shall we set the table?
• Give an example of "SHALL" in a promise.

  I shall never leave your side.
• Give an example of "SHALL" in a predestination.


  She shall become our next queen.
• What does the modal verb "WILL" express?

  It is commonly used to talk about future situations and can also be used to make requests or instant decisions.
• Give an example of "WILL" expressing a future action.


  I will call you later.
• Give an example of "WILL" as a request.


  Will you close the window, please?
• Give an example of "WILL" expressing an instant decision.


  I loved that T-shirt! I will take it.
• What does the modal verb "SHOULD" express?

  It is commonly used to give recommendations or advice and can also indicate obligation and expectation.
• Give an example of "SHOULD" expressing a recommendation.


  When you have many classes, you should take a bottle of water with you.
• Give an example of "SHOULD" expressing advice.


  You should focus more on your assignments.
• Give an example of "SHOULD" expressing obligation.


  I should be at work before 7pm.
• Give an example of "SHOULD" expressing expectation.


  At this moment, they should already be in New York.