Complete Guide to English Modal Verbs - English Grammar Lesson

Summary

This Oxford Online English lesson delves into the intricacies of English modal verbs, essential for expressing various nuances like possibility, obligation, and advice. The video introduces the nine core modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, and must. It explains their unique grammar rules, such as following an infinitive verb without 'to' and not changing form with tenses. The script also clarifies the distinction between modal verbs and semi-modals, using examples to illustrate their multiple meanings and contextual usage. The lesson is designed to help English learners master these versatile words for clearer communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oxford Online English offers free English lessons and professional online classes.
• 🔍 Modal verbs are a unique set of verbs that add information to other verbs, expressing concepts like possibility, obligation, and uncertainty.
• 📚 There are nine primary modal verbs in English: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, and must.
• ⚠️ Modal verbs follow specific grammar rules: they are followed by an infinitive verb without 'to', do not change tense, and function as auxiliary verbs for negation and question formation.
• 🚫 Modal verbs cannot be used with nouns, -ing verbs, or in various tenses like regular verbs.
• 🤔 Understanding modal verbs requires considering the context, as their meanings can vary significantly.
• 💡 Modal verbs are crucial for expressing basic English concepts regularly needed in everyday communication.
• 🔑 Each modal verb can have multiple meanings, and each meaning can be expressed by more than one modal verb.
• 🤓 Semi-modal verbs, like 'have to' and 'going to', share some features with modal verbs but have additional flexibility in tense usage.
• ❓ The dialogue in the script provides examples of modal verbs expressing nine fundamental ideas, including asking permission, possibility, advice, certainty, probability, refusal, requests, obligation, and ability.

Q & A

What are the nine modal verbs in English?

The nine modal verbs in English are can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, and must.

What is the primary function of modal verbs in English grammar?

Modal verbs add information to other verbs, such as ideas of possibility, uncertainty, or obligation.

What is the first rule for using modal verbs?

A modal verb is followed by an infinitive verb without 'to'.

How do modal verbs differ from regular verbs in terms of tense?

Modal verbs do not have past, perfect, or future tenses like regular verbs do.

How are negatives formed with modal verbs?

Negatives are formed by adding 'not' to the end of the modal verb, often contracted.

How do you form a question using a modal verb?

To form a question with a modal verb, move the modal verb before the subject.

Why are modal verbs considered important in English communication?

Modal verbs are important because they express basic concepts like obligation, advice, possibility, probability, permission, and more, which are needed regularly in any situation.

What is the difference between probability and possibility as expressed by modal verbs?

Probability has different levels and can be expressed as percentages, while possibility is binary, meaning something is either possible or not.

What are semi-modal verbs and how do they differ from modal verbs?

Semi-modal verbs have some features of modal verbs but not all. They add information to other verbs and can express many of the same ideas, but they do not follow all the grammar rules of regular modal verbs.

Can you provide an example of a semi-modal verb and its usage?

An example of a semi-modal verb is 'have to,' which can be used in different tenses to express obligation.

How can understanding the context help in determining the meaning of a modal verb?

Understanding the context is crucial because the meaning of a modal verb can vary significantly depending on the situation, and different meanings of a modal verb are often unconnected.