1. Intermediate 1 ESOL Grammar
Modal Verbs

2. Modal Verbs What are modal verbs? must may will shall can could would
should
might

3. Modal Verbs Modal verbs: usually come before another verb
I might go to the library now.
are used with the infinitive but without the ‘to’
I might go to the library now. not I might to go to the library now.
He can read French. not He can to read French.

4. Modal Verbs How do you form a modal verb?
The same form is used for all:
I/you/he/she/it/we/they can
I/you/he/she/it/we/they would
I/you/he/she/it/we/they could
I/you/he/she/it/we/they will
I/you/he/she/it/we/they might

5. Modal Verbs How do you form negatives? The negatives are: cannot/can’t
will not/won’t, shall not/shan’t (usually only with I or We)
could not/couldn’t
would not/wouldn’t
should not/shouldn’t
must not/mustn’t
might not, no short form
may not, no short form

6. Modal Verbs How do you form questions with modal verbs?
Change the word order:
She can swim.
Can she swim?
He will pass the test.
Will he pass the test?
I can help you.
Can I help you?