A modal verb is also known as a helping verb. It gives additional information about the main verb that follows it. Examples:
They must go out .
Must: ObligationThey go out .
Present simple
They should go out .
Should: Advice
They may go out .
May: possibilityThey can go out .
Can: permission
They will go out .
Will: Future tense
Subject Modal verb
Main verb
Complement
I We
TheyYouHeSheIt
must
can
should
may
will
go to sleep.
drink some water.
eat some food.
do some exercise.
Use the basic form or INFINITIVE of the main verbs after the modal verbs.
Let’s look at the modal verbs of deduction.
Use:Must: when I’m 100% sure that something is possible.
May (not) and might (not): when I’m unsure about something.
Can’t: when I’m sure that something is not possible.
Let’s practise. Look at the pictures of some celebrities when they were young. Guess who they are!
Use:
Must or can’t if you’re sure
May (not) or might (not) if you are unsure.