Transcript Modal Verbs

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.