​Modals and Semi-modals

DEFINITION:

​

​Express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, etc.

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​Modals

​Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, etc.

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​Examples:

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​CAN, COULD, MAY, MIGHT, SHOULD, MUST, SHALL, WILL, WOULD

​Semi-modals

​Semi-modals verbs are composed of two or more separate words ending with "to"

​

​Examples:

​

​HAVE TO, OUGHT TO, NEED TO, BE ABLE TO, USE TO, BE GOING TO

What does each express?

​Could

​Can

​May

​Must

PAST ABILITY, SUGGESTION, FUTURE POSSIBILITY

​ABILITY, REQUEST,

PERMISSION, OFFERS

PERMISSION OR FUTURE POSSIBILITY

NECESSITY OR OBLIGATION

​Ought to

​ADVICE

What does each express?

​Should

​Shall

Will

Would

ADVICE OR UNCERTAIN PREDICTION

OFFER OR SUGGESTION

CERTAIN PREDICTION OR PROMISE

REQUEST, INVITATION OR MAKING ARRANGEMENTS.

​Might

​PRESENT OR FUTURE POSSIBILITY

TIME TO PRACTICE !!