Can, could, may, might, must (modal verb 1)

How do we use modals? 

It is always followed by a base form of a verb. 

There is no “s” in the singular. 

There is no “do/does” in the question. 

There is no “don’t/doesn’t” in the negatives. 

Do not have infinities or gerund forms. 

TYPES OF MODAL VERBS

CAN

CONCEPT

Present Ability

I can swim. 

I can speak Spanish well. 

Permission

Can I have some cookies? 

Can I go out? 

COULD

CONCEPT

Past Ability

I could eat vegetables. (but I can’t anymore) 

I could dance very well. (but I can’t anymore.)  

Polite request

Could he come with us? 

Could you help me with this for just a second? 

Could you clean the room?

MAY

CONCEPT

Permission (More formal)

May I come in? 

May I go to the bathroom?

Good probability

We may visit Israel next year.

I may meet my friends this evening. 

MIGHT

CONCEPT

Small probability

I might travel this Spring vacation. 

I might move to a new apartment.

Responsibility

Everyone must follow traffic rules. 

Assumption

She didn’t eat lunch. She must be full.