Modal verbs a modal verb

Do constructions[edit]

See also: do-support

In English, main verbs but not modal verbs always require the auxiliary verb do to form negations and questions, and do can be used with main verbs to form emphatic affirmative statements. (Neither negations nor questions in early modern English used to require do.) Since modal verbs are auxiliary verbs as is do, in questions and negations they appear in the word order the same as do.

Modal verbs

Level: beginner

The modal verbs are: 

can may must shall will

could might should would

We use modals to show if we believe something is certain, possible or impossible:

My keys must be in the car.

It might rain tomorrow.
That can't be Peter's coat. It's too small.

We also use them to do things like talk about ability, ask permission, and make requests and offers:

I can't swim.
May I ask a question?
Could I have some tea, please?
Would you like some help?