Modal verbs 情态动词
The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings:
Modal Meaning Example
can to express ability 表示能力 I can speak a little Russian.
can to request permission 请求许可 Can I open the window?
may to express possibility 表示可能性 I may be home late.
may to request permission 征求许可 May I sit down, please?
must to express obligation 表示需要干某事 I must go now.
must to express strong belief 表强烈的推断 She must be over 90 years old.
should to give advice 给出建议 You should sTOP smoking.
would to request or offer 请求或给予 Would you like a cup of tea?
would in if|sentences If I were you, I would say sorry.
Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form and they have no infinitive or participle . The modals must and can need substitute verbs to express obligation or ability in the different tenses. Here are some examples:
Past simple Sorry Im late. I had to finish my math test.
Present perfect Shes had to return to Korea at short notice.
Future Youll have to work hard if you want to pass the exams.
Infinitive I dont want to have to go.
Past simple I couldnt/wasnt able to walk until I was 3 years old.
Present perfect I havent been able to solve this problem. Can you help?
Future Im not sure if I will be able to come to your party.
Infinitive I would love to be able to play the piano.
Modals are auxiliary verbs. They do not need an additional auxiliary in negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? , or: He shouldnt smoke .
important: The explanations and examples on this page are just an introduction to this extensive and complex area of English grammar. Students of English who want to learn more should consult a good reference work, such as Swans Practical English Usage.
