Table of Contents
Introduction to modal verbs
Introduction
Some facts about modal auxiliary verbs:
1. They do not have an infinitive form.
can 
to can 
2. We use them before other verbs to give more information. We use the bare infinitive of the main verb. We do not use 'to' after a modal.
I can swim.
I can to swim.
3. We use 'not' for the negative form
I can't swim.
I don't can swim.
and we do not use 'do' in questions.
Can you swim?
Do you can swim?
4. Modals have only one form.
I can
You can
He/she/it can
We can
They can
A list of modal auxiliary verbs
Can
Could
May
Might
Must
Shall
Should
Will
Would
Uses
Modal auxiliary verbs have different meanings. This table shows some common uses.
See the rules on each modal for more detailed information.
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| can | can't | could | may | might | must | mustn't | have to | will | would | shall | should | ought to |
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| advice |
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| deduction |
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| expectation |
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| habit |
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| hypothetical |
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| necessity |
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| obligation |
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| offers |
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| permission |
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| possibility |
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| prediction |
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| prohibition |
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| requests |
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| suggestions |
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| wishing |
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