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GRAMMAR ACTIVITIES - UNIT 5 What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs.
Here are some important differences:
1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.
Examples:
He can speak Chinese.
She should be here by 9:00.
2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present
and Simple Past.
Examples:
He should not be late.
They might not come to the party.
3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future
tenses.
Examples:
He will can go with us. Not Correct
She musted study very hard. Not Correct
Common Modal Verbs
Can Ought to
Could Shall
May Should
Might Will
Must Would
For the purposes of this tutorial, we have included some expressions which are not
modal verbs including had better, have to, and have got to. These expressions are
closely related to modals in meaning and are often interchanged with them.
Can
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used
to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show
possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ABILITY
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. OPPORTUNITY
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. PERMISSION
Can you hand me the stapler? REQUEST
Any child can grow up to be president. POSSIBILITY
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can also use:
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. 1. = Present 2. = Past 3.
= Future = Future
can 1. I can speak Chinese. 1. I can't speak Swahili. be able to
GENERAL ABILITY
2. SHIFT TO "COULD" 2. SHIFT TO "COULD"
I could speak Chinese when I couldn't speak Swahili.
I was a kid.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak
I will be able to speak Swahili.
Chinese by the time I finish
my course.
can 1. With a burst of 1. Even with a burst of be able to
ABILITY DURING A adrenaline, people can pick adrenaline, people can't
SPECIFIC EVENT up cars. pick up something that
heavy.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
adrenaline, he was able to Even the weight lifter,
lift the car off the child's leg. couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
adrenaline, he will be able Even three men working
to lift the car. together won't be able to lift
the car.
can 1. I have some free time. I 1. I don't have any time. I be able to
OPPORTUNITY can help her now. can't help her now.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I had some free time I didn't have time yesterday.
yesterday. I was able to I wasn't able to help her at
help her at that time. that time.
3. I'll have some free time 3. I won't have any time
tomorrow. I can help her later. I can't help her then.
then.
can 1. I can drive Susan's car 1. I can't drive Susan's car may
PERMISSION when she is out of town. when she is out of town.
2. SHIFT TO "BE 2. SHIFT TO "BE
ALLOWED TO " ALLOWED TO "
I was allowed to drive I wasn't allowed to drive
Susan's car while she was Susan's car while she was
out of town last week. out of town last week.
3. I can drive Susan's car 3. I can't drive Susan's car
while she is out of town next while she is out of town next
week. week.
can Can I have a glass of Can't I have a glass of could, may
REQUEST water? water?
Can you give me a lift to Can't you give me a lift to
school? school?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO
THE NEAR FUTURE. THE NEAR FUTURE.
can Anyone can become rich It can't cost more than a could
POSSIBILITY, and famous if they know the dollar or two.
IMPOSSIBILITY right people.
You can't be 45! I thought
Learning a language can be you were about 18 years
a real challenge. old.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A THIS USE IS USUALLY A
GENERALIZATION OR A GENERALIZATION OR A
SUPPOSITION. SUPPOSITION.
Could
"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make
suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional
sentences as the conditional form of "can."
Examples:
Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. POSSIBILITY
Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. PAST ABILITY
You could see a movie or go out to dinner. SUGGESTION
Could I use your computer to email my boss? REQUEST
We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. CONDITIONAL
Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "could" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = also use:
Future Future
could 1. John could be the one who stole 1. Mary couldn't be the one who might,
POSSIBILITY the money. stole the money. may
2. John could have been the one 2. Mary couldn't have been the
who stole the money. one who stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing 3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail
the money. for the crime.
could 1. If I had more time, I could travel 1. Even if I had more time, I
CONDITIONAL around the world. couldn't travel around the world.
OF CAN
2. If I had had more time, I could 2. Even if I had had more time, I
have travelled around the world. couldn't have travelled around the
world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I
could travel around the world. 3. Even if I had more time this
winter, I couldn't travel around the
world.
could 1. NO PRESENT FORM NO NEGATIVE FORMS
SUGGESTION
2. You could have spent your
vacation in Hawaii.
3. You could spend your vacation
in Hawaii.
could I could run ten miles in my I couldn't run more than a mile in be able
PAST ABILITY twenties. my twenties. to
I could speak Chinese when I was I couldn't speak Swahili.
a kid.
"COULD" CAN BE USED IN NEGATIVE
"COULD" CANNOT BE USED IN POSITIVE SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE
SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A A MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.
MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by by myself. Correct
myself. Not Correct
could Could I have something to drink? Couldn't he come with us? can,
POLITE may,
REQUEST Could I borrow your stapler? Couldn't you help me with this for might
just a second?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE. REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE.
REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"
"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not"
suggests you do not know if something happens.
Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.
Have To
"Have to" is used to express certainty, necessity, and obligation.
Examples:
This answer has to be correct. CERTAINTY
The soup has to be stirred continuously to prevent burning. NECESSITY
They have to leave early. OBLIGATION
Using "Have to" in Present, Past, and Future
"Have to" behaves quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart
below to learn how "have to" behaves in different contexts.
Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future can
Future also
use:
have to 1. That has to be Jerry. They said 1. SHIFT TO "MUST" must,
CERTAINTY he was tall with bright red hair. That must not be Jerry. They said he have
has blond hair, not red hair. got to
2. That has to have been the right
restaurant. There were no other 2. SHIFT TO "MUST"
restaurants on the street. That must not have been the right
restaurant. I guess there was another
3. NONE one around there somewhere.
3. NONE
have to 1. She has to read four books for 1. She doesn't have to read "Grapes of must
NECESSITY this literature class. Wrath." It's optional reading for extra
credit.
2. She had to finish the first book
before the midterm. 2. She didn't have to write a critique of
"The Scarlet Letter." She had to give a
3. She will have to finish the other presentation to her class.
books before the final exam.
3. She won't have to take any other
literature classes. American Literature
101 is the only required course.
REMEMBER: "Do not have to" vs. "Must not"
"Do not have to" suggests that someone is not required to do something. "Must
not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
Must
"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to
express necessity or strong recommendation, although native speakers prefer
the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be used to prohibit actions, but
this sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as
"should not" or "ought not" to dissuade rather than prohibit.
Examples:
This must be the right address! CERTAINTY
Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school. NECESSITY
You must take some medicine for that cough. STRONG RECOMMENDATION
Jenny, you must not play in the street! PROHIBITION
Using "Must" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "must" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = also use:
Future Future
must 1. That must be Jerry. They 1. That must not be Jerry. He is have to
CERTAINTY said he was tall with bright supposed to have red hair.
red hair.
2. That must not have been the
2. That must have been the right restaurant. I guess there is
right restaurant. There are no another one around here
other restaurants on this somewhere.
street.
3. NO FUTURE FORM
3. NO FUTURE FORM
must not You must not swim in that river.
PROHIBITION It's full of crocodiles.
You must not forget to take your
malaria medication while you are
in the tropics.
PROHIBITION USUALLY REFERS
TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
must 1. You must take some time 1. You mustn't drink so much. It's should
STRONG off and get some rest. not good for your health.
RECOMMENDATION
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You should have taken some You shouldn't have drunk so much.
(Americans time off last week to get some That caused the accident.
prefer rest.
the form 3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
"should.") 3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" You shouldn't drink at the party.
You should take some time You are going to be the designated
off next week to get some driver.
rest.
must 1. You must have a permit to 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" have to
NECESSITY enter the national park. We don't have to get a permit to
enter the national park.
(Americans 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
We had to have a permit to 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
prefer enter the park. We didn't have to get a permit to
the form enter the national park.
"have to.") 3. We must get a permit to
enter the park next week. 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
We won't have to get a permit to
enter the national park.
REMEMBER: "Must not" vs. "Do not have to"
"Must not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing something. "Do not have
to" suggests that someone is not required to do something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
Might
"Might" is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in
conditional sentences. English speakers can also use "might" to make
suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English.
Examples:
Your purse might be in the living room. POSSIBILITY
If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. CONDITIONAL
You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. SUGGESTION
Might I borrow your pen? REQUEST
Using "Might" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "might" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = also use:
Future Future
might 1. She might be on the bus. I think 1. She might not be on the could,
POSSIBILITY her car is having problems. bus. She might be walking may
home.
2. She might have taken the bus. I'm
not sure how she got to work. 2. She might not have taken
the bus. She might have
3. She might take the bus to get walked home.
home. I don't think Bill will be able to
give her a ride. 3. She might not take the bus.
She might get a ride from Bill.
might 1. If I entered the contest, I might 1. Even if I entered the
CONDITIONAL actually win. contest, I might not win.
OF MAY
2. If I had entered the contest, I 2. Even if I had entered the
might actually have won. contest, I might not have won.
3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I 3. Even if I entered the contest
might actually win. Unfortunately, I tomorrow, I might not win.
can't enter it.
might 1. NO PRESENT FORM 1. NO PRESENT FORM could
SUGGESTION
2. You might have tried the cheese 2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON
cake.
3. You might not want to eat
3. You might try the cheesecake. the cheese cake. It's very
calorific.
might Might I have something to drink? NEGATIVE FORMS could,
REQUEST UNCOMMON may,
Might I borrow the stapler? can
(British
form) REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE.
REMEMBER: "Might not" vs. "Could not"
"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens. "Could not"
suggests that it is impossible for something to happen.
Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.
Should
"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It
can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.
Examples:
When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. RECOMMENDATION
You should focus more on your family and less on work. ADVICE
I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. OBLIGATION
By now, they should already be in Dubai. EXPECTATION
Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "should" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = also use:
Past 3. = Future
should 1. People with high cholesterol should 1. Sarah shouldn't ought to
RECOMMENDATION, eat low-fat foods. smoke so much. It's not
ADVISABILITY good for her health.
2. Frank should have eaten low-fat
foods. That might have prevented his 2. Sarah shouldn't have
heart attack. smoked so much.
That's what caused her
3. You really should start eating health problems.
better.
3. Sarah shouldn't
smoke when she visits
Martha next week.
Martha hates when
people smoke in her
house.
should I should be at work before 9:00. NO NEGATIVE be
OBLIGATION FORMS supposed
We should return the video before the to
video rental store closes.
"SHOULD" CAN ALSO EXPRESS
SOMETHING BETWEEN RECOMMENDATION
AND OBLIGATION. "BE SUPPOSED TO"
EXPRESSES A SIMILAR IDEA AND CAN
EASILY BE USED IN THE PAST OR IN
NEGATIVE FORMS.
should 1. Susan should be in New York by now. 1. Susan shouldn't be in ought to,
EXPECTATION New York yet. be
2. Susan should have arrived in New York supposed
last week. Let's call her and see what she 2. Susan shouldn't have to
is up to. arrived in New York until
yesterday.
3. Susan should be in New York by next
week. Her new job starts on Monday. 3. Susan shouldn't arrive
in New York until next
week.
May
"May" is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give
or request permission, although this usage is becoming less common.
Examples:
Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. POSSIBILITY
Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. GIVE PERMISSION
May I use your bathroom? REQUEST PERMISSION
Using "May" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "may" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = can
Future Future also
use:
may 1. Jack may be upset. I can't really 1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps might
POSSIBILITY tell if he is annoyed or tired. he is tired.
2. Jack may have been upset. I 2. Jack may not have been upset.
couldn't really tell if he was Perhaps he was tired.
annoyed or tired.
3. Jack may not get upset, even if
3. Jack may get upset if you don't you tell him the truth
tell him the truth.
may 1. You may leave the table now 1. You may not leave the table. can
GIVE that you're finished with your You're not finished with your dinner
PERMISSION dinner. yet.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO" 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"
You were allowed to leave the You were not allowed to leave the
table after you finished your table because you hadn't finished
dinner. your dinner.
3. You may leave the table when 3. You may not leave the table until
you finish your dinner. you are finished with your dinner.
may May I borrow your eraser? NO NEGATIVE FORMS can,
REQUEST might
PERMISSION May I make a phone call?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE.
Ought To
"Ought to" is used to advise or make recommendations. "Ought to" also
expresses assumption or expectation as well as strong probability, often with
the idea that something is deserved. "Ought not" (without "to") is used to advise
against doing something, although Americans prefer the less formal forms
"should not" or "had better not."
Examples:
You ought to stop smoking. RECOMMENDATION
Jim ought to get the promotion. IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT.
This stock ought to increase in value. PROBABILITY
Mark ought not drink so much. ADVICE AGAINST SOMETHING (NOTICE THERE IS NO "TO")
Using "Ought to" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "ought to" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You
1. = Present 2. = Past 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = can
3. = Future Future also
use:
ought to 1. Margaret ought to 1. Margaret ought not exercise too should
RECOMMENDATION, exercise more. much. It might cause injury.
ADVICE
2. Margaret ought to have 2. Margaret ought not have run the
exercised more so she marathon. She wasn't in good
would be better prepared shape.
for the marathon.
3. Margaret ought not stay at
3. Margaret ought to come home in front of the TV. She
to the fitness center with us should go to the fitness centre with
tonight. us.
ought to 1. She ought to have the "OUGHT NOT" IS USED PRIMARILY TO should
ASSUMPTION, package by now. EXPRESS NEGATIVE
EXPECTATION, RECOMMENDATIONS. (SEE ABOVE .)
PROBABILITY 2. She ought to have
received the package
yesterday.
3. She ought to receive the
package tonight.
Notice "Ought not"
Remember that "ought to" loses the "to" in the negative. Instead of "ought not
to," we say "ought not." "Ought not" is more commonly used in British English.
Americans prefer "should not."
Examples:
You ought not smoke so much.
She ought not take such risks while skiing.
They ought not carry so much cash while travelling.
Shall
"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences
with "I" or "we," and is often found in suggestions, such as "Shall we go?"
"Shall" is also frequently used in promises or voluntary actions. In formal
English, the use of "shall" to describe future events often expresses inevitability
or predestination. "Shall" is much more commonly heard in British English than
in American English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although they do
sometimes use "shall" in suggestions or formalized language.
Examples:
Shall I help you? SUGGESTION
I shall never forget where I came from. PROMISE
He shall become our next king. PREDESTINATION
I'm afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. INEVITABILITY
More Examples of "Shall"
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You
can
also
use:
shall I shall be replaced by someone from I shall not be replaced after all. will
FUTURE ACTION the New York office.
I shall not be there. I have a
previous obligation.
(British I shall be there by 8:00.
form)
shall Shall we begin dinner? should
SUGGESTIONS
Shall we move into the living room?
shall I shall take care of everything for you. I shall never forget you. will
VOLUNTEERING,
PROMISING I shall make the travel arrangements. I shall never give up the fight for
There's no need to worry. freedom.
(British
form)
shall Man shall explore the distant regions Man shall never give up the
INEVITABILITY of the universe. exploration of the universe.
(British We shall overcome oppression. He shall not be held back.
form)
Have Got To
"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.
Examples:
Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the US. NECESSITY
I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM. OBLIGATION
Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how “has got to" behaves in different contexts.
Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future also
Future use:
have got to 1. People have got to be on 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" have to,
NECESSITY time if they want to get a seat People don't have to be there on time to must
in the crowded theater. get a seat.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You had to be on time if you You didn't have to be there on time to get
wanted to get a seat in the a seat.
crowded theater.
3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
3. You have got to be there You won't have to be there on time to get
on time tonight if you want to a seat.
get a seat in the crowded
theater.
haven't got to Haven't you got to be there by 7:00? Don't
FUTURE you
OBLIGATION Haven't you got to finish that project have to
today?
"HAVEN'T GOT TO" IS PRIMARILY USED TO
ASK ABOUT FUTURE OBLIGATIONS. IT CAN BE
USED IN STATEMENTS, BUT THIS IS LESS
COMMON.
Had Better
"Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be
used to express desperate hope as well as warn people.
Examples:
You had better take your umbrella with you today. RECOMMENDATION
That bus had better get here soon! DESPERATE HOPE
You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future! WARNING
Using "Had Better" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the
chart below to learn how "had better" behaves in different contexts.
Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = also use:
Future Future
had better 1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR 1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR should,
RECOMMENDATION "OUGHT TO" "OUGHT TO" ought to
People should unplug toasters People shouldn't clean toasters
before they clean them. without unplugging them first.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE"
OR "OUGHT TO HAVE" OR "OUGHT TO HAVE"
You should have unplugged the You shouldn't have cleaned the
toaster before you tried to clean toaster without unplugging it
it. first.
3. You had better unplug the 3. You had better not clean the
toaster before you try to clean toaster until you unplug it.
it.
had better The movie had better end They had better not be late.
DESPERATE HOPE, soon.
WARNING They had better not forget
They had better be here before Tom's birthday gift.
we start dinner.
DESPERATE HOPES AND
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS USUALLY REFER TO THE
WARNINGS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.
NEAR FUTURE.
"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.
Will
"Will" is used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future.
"Will" can also be used to make predictions about the future
Examples:
I promise that I will write you every single day. PROMISE
I will make dinner tonight. VOLUNTARY ACTION
He thinks it will rain tomorrow. PREDICTION
More Examples of "Will"
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You can
also use:
will The marketing director will be replaced The marketing director will shall
FUTURE by someone from the New York office. not be replaced after all.
ACTION,
PREDICTION Fred will be there by 8:00. Fred will not be there. He
has a previous obligation.
will I will take care of everything for you. I will never forget you. shall
VOLUNTEERING,
PROMISING I will make the travel arrangements. I will never give up the
There's no need to worry. fight for freedom.
Would
"Would" is most commonly used to create conditional verb forms. It also serves
as the past form of the modal verb "will." Additionally, "would" can indicate
repetition in the past.
Examples:
If he were an actor, he would be in adventure movies. CONDITIONAL
I knew that she would be very successful in her career. PAST OF "WILL"
When they first met, they would always have picnics on the beach. REPETITION
Using "Would" in Present, Past, and Future
Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms You
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = can
Future also
use:
would 1. If I were president, I would cut the 1. If I were president, I would not
CONDITIONAL cost of education. raise taxes.
2. If I had been president, I would 2. If I had been president, I would
have cut the cost of education. not have raised taxes.
3. If I were elected president next 3. If I were president, I would not
year, I would cut the cost of sign the tax increase next week.
education.
would I said I would help you. I said I wouldn't help you.
PAST OF "WILL"
He told me he would be here before He told me he would not be here
8:00. before 8:00.
would When I was a kid, I would always go When I was a kid, I wouldn't go used
REPETITION IN to the beach. into the water by myself. to
PAST
When he was young, he would When he got older, he would
always do his homework. never do his homework.
Modal Forms
Modal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples
below.
Modal Simple Passive Modal Simple
I could swim at the beach. The room should be cleaned once a
day.
Modal Continuous
I could be swimming at the beach Passive Modal Continuous
right now. The room should be being cleaned
now.
Modal Perfect
I could have swum at the beach Passive Modal Perfect
yesterday. The room should have been cleaned
yesterday.
Modal Perfect Continuous
I could have been swimming at the Passive Modal Perfect Continuous
beach instead of working in the The room should have been being
office. cleaned but nobody was there. (Rare
form)
