can – may – need – should – ought to – have to – be able to – must
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs and are used in conjunction with main verbs. They are sometimes called modal auxiliaries.
We use modal verbs to make assessments, judgements and interpretations.
The must fix the roof, it leaks every time it rains (necessity)
I could have the spicy pizza (possibility)
We should arrive at about 6pm (expectation)
You ought to call your mum (obligation)
We use modal verbs to be polite
Could I please have a cheese sandwich?
Would you be able to let me know how much I owe you?
Might you consider letting me help you this time?
We can use modal verbs to give advice
If you feel sick you had better stay at home today
You should really think about this
You must try to stay calm
You need to think before you act
Modal verb positions in sentences
In questions modal verbs come before the the subject
Can I help you?
Do you need a coffee?
Modal verbs come before the main verb in affirmative and negative statements
The business could try advertising on the internet
We mustn’t forget to send some flowers to my mum
Modal verb position in sentences
Modal verbs are followed by the bare infinitive
He might come to the office today
You could speak to her and try to convince her
Modal verbs are not conjugated in the third person
We cannot say: She musts be hungry….
We would say, she must be hungry
Modal verbs are formed in the negative by adding ‘n’t’ or ‘not’
Sorry you cannot to eat food in the library
I must not remember to go shopping on the way home
How about you?
Is there something you need to do this week?
What might happen next week?
What should you being now rather than reading this blog?
Maybe you should book a trial class? https://www.britishenglishlessons.com/courses/