MODAL VERBS

 

Modal verbs, or modal verbs, are those verbs in English that help a sentence to have a better meaning thanks to their function. You can use them when you want to give another meaning to a sentence. For example, if you want to ask permission to speak or to find out if they might come to pick you up.

• CAN

Can is a modal verb and must be accompanied by a main verb in its base form. 

The modal verb can can be used to ask, grant or deny permission in an informal setting.

Examples: 

Can I have another glass of water, please? Yes, of course, you can

You can come to my party if you wish. 

He can’t come because he is too young. 

• COULD

Could is also a modal verb and must be accompanied by another verb with its own meaning and in the base form of the verb. We use it to ask permission in a formal way.

Examples:

Could you pass me the salt, please? 

Could I speak to you later, please?

• MAY

The modal verb may is mainly used to ask permission in a formal way. 

Examples:

May I talk to you,please?

May I phone you later?

May I use your computer, please?

• CAN'T

This is the most informal of all. It serves to prohibit specific things and would be used in colloquial language. It is the one that a mother would use with her children, for example.

Examples:

You can’t have another biscuit. You’ve had engouh! 

I said no. You can’t go to the party! 

• MUSTN'T 

We use must to indicate a duty or obligation to do something.

Examples: 

We must to class every day 

You mustn’t shout in class.

You mustn’t touch the ball with your hand. 

• HAVE TO

Have to is used to mention something obligatory 

Examples:

You have to get a visa to go to the US.
She has to lose weight or she’ll have health problems.

He has to pay his rent tomorrow.