Respuestas
Respuesta: Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that provide a specific meaning to the sentence. As they are auxiliary verbs, they cannot function as the main verb of the sentence. Therefore, they must always be accompanied by another verb that will be the main verb of the sentence. Each modal verb adds a specific meaning to the sentence.
And now that we know what they are, let's see them!
STRUCTURE
All modal verbs are followed by the main verb of the sentence in infinity. The main verb is not introduced by to except on some occasions when the modal verb requires it.
Affirmative sentence:
Subject
Modal Verb
Verb in infinity
Prayer complements
Examples:
My mum can play the piano - My mother can play the piano.
My friend need to study more - My friend has to study more.
Negative sentence:
Subject
Modal Verb in negative
Verb in infinity
Prayer complements
Examples:
He didn't have to come - He didn't have to come (that is, he could come but he didn't have to).
You mustn’t smoke inside the hospital - You cannot smoke inside the hospital (it is prohibited).
Interrogative sentence:
Modal Verb
Subject
Verb in infinity
Prayer complements
?
Can you help me? - Can you help me?
When the modal verb is composed of several parts, the subject is inserted:
Are you allowed to eat? - Can come?
Will you need to study? - Will you have to study?
Modal verbs formed with have to are asked with the auxiliary do:
Do you have to study? - You have to study?
Unless it is have got to:
- Have you got to study? - You have to study?
PERMISSION AND POSSIBILITY FORMS
These manners are used to give permission or indicate that something is possible. Also to indicate the possibility of doing something.
PRESENT
LAST
FUTURE
Dog
You can sell the car
You can sell the car
Could
We could sell the car
We could sell the car
Will be able
He will be able to drive
He may drive
Is / are allowed to
You are allowed to come
Can come
Was / were allowed to
He was allowed to jump
He could jump
will be allowed to
John will be allowed to skip the class
John may skip class
NOTE: these manners do not refer to the ability or ability to do something, but to the possibility or permission to do it. For example, he will be able to drive - he will be able to drive because he will be legally of the legal age, and not because he knows how to drive.
FORMS OF OBLIGATION
These manners are used to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory.
PRESENT
LAST
FUTURE
Must
You must wear a helmet
You must wear a helmet
Had to
You had to speak
You had to talk
Will have to
You will have to come
You will have to come
Have to / have got to
You have to wear a helmet
You must wear a helmet
Had to
You had to speak
You had to talk
Will have to
You will have to come
You will have to come
Need to
You need to tell the truth
You must tell the truth
Needed to
You needed to attend
You should attend
Will need to
You will need to swim
You will have to swim
FORMS OF LACK OF OBLIGATION
These manners are used to indicate that something is allowed but is not necessary.
PRESENT
LAST
FUTURE
Don’t have to
You don’t have to come
You don't have to come
Didn't have to
I didn’t have to run
He didn't have to run
He wo n’t have to
I won’t have to dance
He won't have to dance
Don’t need to / needn’t
You needn't wear a helmet
You don't have to wear a helmet
Didn’t need to
You didn’t need to speak
You didn't have to speak
Won’t need to
You won’t need to come
You won't have to come
PROHIBITION MODES
These manners are used to indicate that something is not allowed or not possible.
PRESENT
LAST
FUTURE
Can’t
You can't eat
You can not come
Couldn’t
You couldn’t attend to the private party
You couldn't attend the private party
Can’t
You can't come to the party tomorrow
You can't come to the party tomorrow
Mustn’t
You mustn't smoke inside any building
You cannot smoke inside any building
Isn’t / aren’t allowed to
You aren’t allowed to drink alcohol
You can't drink alcohol
Wasn’t / weren’t allowed to
You weren’t allowed to jump
You couldn't jump
Won’t be allowed to
You won't be allowed to drink alcohol
You will not be able to drink alcohol
NOTE 1: These manners do not indicate the lack of ability or ability to do something, but the prohibition to do it. Example: You couldn’t attend to the private party - You couldn’t attend the private party because you weren’t invited, you had it ‘prohibited’.
NOTE 2: Mustn’t is the most absolute prohibition, it could be compared or referred to a legal prohibition, like the example given (You mustn’t smoke inside any building - You cannot smoke inside any building because it is legally prohibited).
GRADES:
We can use MAY / MIGHT to ask for permission in more formal situations.
May I borrow your pen, please? - Can I borrow your pencil, please?
Might I have a glass of water, please? -