What are Modal Verbs?a
Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important differences:aa
A) Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.a
Examples:a
- He can speak Chinese.a
- She should be here by 9:00.a
B) You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past.a
Examples:a
- He should not be late.a
- They might not come to the party.a
C) Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.a
Examples:a
- He will can go with us. Not Correct
- She musted study very hard. Not Correct
Common Modal Verbs
Can Could May Might Must |
Ought to Shall Should Will Would |