Introduction to modal auxiliary verbs

Introduction to modal auxiliary verbs

Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like "work, play, visit..."
They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it.
They have a great variety of communicative functions.
Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:
? They never change their form. You can t add "s", "ed", "ing"...
? They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)
? There is no do/does in the question.
? There is no don t /doesn t in the question.
? They are used to indicate modality allow speakers to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, ability…etc.
Here is a list of modal verbs:
• I could swim quite well when I was younger.
• You mustn’t blame yourself for this.
• You might have discussed it with me first.
• They may be out.
• You can’t be serious!
• Could you open the window please?
• Must you make so much noise?
• The essay mustn t be over 2000 words.
• We ought to be going.
• He ought to be home by seven o clock.
• Shall we go?
• He should be here by now.
• You should listen to your teacher.