Modal Verbs
There are ten modal verbs in English:
- can
- could
- may
- might
- shall
- should
- will
- would
- must
- ought to
In reviewing modal verbs, remember the following rules:
- They do not change forms like other verbs.
- go, goes, went, gone / look, looks, looked, looked
- There is no do / does in the question forms.
- Can you give me a hand?
- There is no don't / doesn't in the negative forms.
- He shouldn't do that.
- They are always followed by a base form verb. "Ought to" is the only exception as it takes "to" or "not to" before the verb.
- We would help if we had time.
- We ought to get going.
- She mustn't do that!
- They do not usually have past or gerund forms. Other verbs are used instead.
- I hate having to get up early. (must)
- I was able to play piano better when I was a child. (can)
- Some modals are used with the Perfect Infinitive to make past forms. This is explained more below.
- You shouldn't have done that.
- She must have stayed home.
Modal Verbs of Probability in the Past
Unlock full access by logging in. Registered users can explore the entire lesson and more.