Material Unit 3
Completion requirements
1. Modal verbs
Modal verbs are verbs with unique characteristics. They work with the main verb to add extra meaning to a sentence, for example, obligation or advice.
Structure
Modal verbs share the following characteristics:
- We put an infinitive without to after most modal verbs (but not ought to).
- We must get there before seven o'clock.
- She should study harder.
- BUT I ought to go home now.
- Modal verbs do not take -s in the third person
- I can swim.
- He can swim.
- Modal verbs do not use the auxiliary verb do / does to form negatives, questions or short answers.
- She shouldn't eat salt.
- 'May I help you?' 'Yes, you may'.
- I can invite her, can't I?
- We needn't retake the exam.
- Modal verbs can form contractions in the negative.
- He should not work too hard → He shouldn't work too hard.
Practice → Exercises