Modals

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They include "might," "may," "can," "could," "must," "should," and "have to."

Usage of Modal Verbs and Modal Constructs

• Might and may express possibility: She might arrive early.

• Can indicates knowing how to do something: He can play the piano.

• Can and could are sometimes used for asking people to do things: Could you pass the salt, please?

• Must can be used to express that something is true: They must be tired.

• Must do indicates necessity: We must study for the test.

• Had to expresses necessity in the past: She had to leave early yesterday.

• Must not do means "don't do it": You must not park here.

• You should do can suggest a good thing to do: You should try that restaurant.

• You should do sometime implies the right thing to do: You should apologize.

• I don't think ... should ... is used to give advice: I don't think you should go there.

• I have to expresses personal necessity: I have to finish this assignment.

Negating Sentences with Modal Verbs

To negate a sentence with a modal verb, add "not" after the modal verb.

Example: She might not come to the party.

Forming Negation with Modal Verbs

Modal Verb	Negative Form
might	might not
may	may not
can	cannot/can't
could	could not
must	must not
should	should not
have to	don't have to