Unlike words in some other languages, English words do not have a lot of different endings. Nouns take 5 in the plural {miles), but they do not have endings to show whether they are subject or object. | PAGE 113 12 Modal verbs 90 Summary Introduction to modal verbs 91 The modal verbs or modal auxiliary verbs are will would shall should can could may might must need ought to and dare. I must go now. We can park here. There are some expressions with have and be which have similar meanings to the modal verbs. I have to go now. We re allowed to park here. These expressions can have other forms such as a past tense or a to-infinitive. I had to hurry to get here. We asked to be allowed to go. Modal verbs express meanings such as necessity and possibility. We can use modal verbs to tell or allow people to do things or we can use them to say how certain or uncertain we are. Necessity must have got to needn t and mustn t 92 I must go to the bank. Obligation and advice should ought to etc 93 You should answer the letter. Permission can could may might and be allowed to 94 We can leave our luggage at the hotel. Certainty will must and can t Mandy will be in London now. Probability should and ought to 96 The rain should stop soon. Possibility may might can and could 97 The keys may be in my coat pocket. 12 MODAL VERBS PAGE 114 Ability can could and be able to 98 Most people can swim. Unreal situations would 99 Six weeks holiday would be nice. Habits will would and used to 100 People will leave litter everywhere. The verb dare 101 I daren t go up on the roof. overview the use of modal verbs 102 91 Introduction to modal verbs 1 A modal verb is always the first word in the verb phrase. It always has the same form and never has an ending such as 5 ingot ed. After a modal verb we put a bare infinitive. It will be windy. You should look after your money. A modal does not have a to-infinitive after it except ought . NOTE a Some modal verbs have a spoken weak form. 55 1 You must give me your honest opinion. b We can stress a modal if we want to put emphasis on its meaning. You really must be quiet. It is very necessary. You may be right. It is not certain. c Will and would have the .
