3. To form negative sentences, use the modal verb itself and add "not" or "n't" to it. Examples: "He can run fast enough." Correct: "He can't run fast enough." Incorrect: "He doesn't can run fast enough." "She could lift a feather." Correct: "She could not lift a feather." Incorrect: "She did not could lift a feather." "I thought he would come." Correct: "I thought he wouldn't come." Incorrect: "I thought he did not would come."
aim.uz
How and when do we use modal verbs?
Uses of "can" (negative: cannot, can't)
1. To talk about a) ability or b) skill a) "He is so strong! He can lift that engine!" b) "Can he swim?"
2. To talk about a general possibility "The weather here can get really bad." "Such things can happen.“
4. To make a request (this is is an informal use, "may" is the formal version) "Can I come in?" "Can you make some tea?"
aim.uz
How and when do we use modal verbs?
NOTE: It has just been said that “can” can be used to express an ability to do something.
“He can repair the engine.”
In the past, we can use “could” or the expression “be able to”:
He could repair the engine.
He was able to repair the engine.
In the future, we can use “be able to” because “can” does not have a future form:
He will be able to repair the engine.
aim.uz
How and when do we use modal verbs?
Uses of "could" (negative: could not, couldn't)
1. As the past form of "can" "He said he couldn't come so early." "I couldn't remember who he was." "They couldn't pass the border."
2. To make a polite request "Could you open the window, please?" "Could you turn up the heat?" "Could you remind him to call?“
3. To show possibility ("may" and "might" are stronger) "She could be with her parents." "It could take you months to find a new place." "He could still win, but it's not very likely."
