MODAL VERB: INTRODUCTION

CAN, MUST AND SHOULD

The modal verb are a specíal group of auxiliary verbs.

They are different from most other verbs in four ways.

+ INFINITIVES WITHOUT TO

After modals, we use infinitives without to.

Joe can`t swim 

I may be out tonight

Can you play the guitar?

Peter hasn`t phoned. He must be away.

NO -S

Modal verb have no -s on the third person singular (she/he/it form).

John can speak korean. (not John cans...)

Barbara may be late

this must be your coat.

NO DO

We make modal question(?) and negatives(-) without do.

Can you help me? (not Do you can help me?)

Can she speak Chinese?

Must Ann work on Sunday?

NO INFINITIVES OR PARTICIPLES

Modal verb have no infinitives or participles: to can, musted.

In affirmative(+) sentences, we use must when we mean: this is necesarry.

•   I must get up early tomorrow.          You must fill in this form. (NOT You must to fill)

We also use must when we mean: This is a very good idea

• You must visit us while we`re in Paris.