No more mistakes with MODALS! 3 Easy Rules

Summary

In this lesson, Rebecca from engVid teaches students how to correctly use modal verbs in English. Modal verbs such as 'can', 'may', 'should', 'must', and others express ability, permission, obligation, and possibility. The lesson covers three essential rules: don't change the form of the modal, use the base form of the verb after a modal, and place 'not' directly after the modal in negative sentences. Common mistakes, like adding 'to' or changing verb forms, are highlighted with examples. Students are encouraged to practice and visit engVid for further lessons and quizzes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modal verbs are commonly used words like 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'should', and 'must', and they express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations.
• 😀 Modal verbs should never be altered by adding 's' in the present, like saying 'He cans swim'—this is incorrect; it should be 'He can swim.'
• 😀 After modal verbs, always use the base form of the verb without 'to'. For example, 'He might join us' is correct, not 'He might to join us.'
• 😀 When forming a negative with modal verbs, use 'not' after the modal verb, not 'don't', 'doesn't', or 'isn't'. For example, 'You should not smoke' is correct.
• 😀 'Cannot' is a special case where 'not' combines with 'can' into one word. So, 'I cannot arrive on time' is correct, not 'I can not'.
• 😀 'Have to' is an exception in the negative, where the correct form is 'You don't have to do this,' unlike other modals that simply use 'not'.
• 😀 Modal verbs like 'must', 'will', 'may', and others, should be followed directly by the base form of the verb, without the infinitive 'to'.
• 😀 Common mistakes include adding 'to' after modals, like in 'You must to finish your homework'—the correct version is 'You must finish your homework.'
• 😀 When making a negative sentence, avoid the mistake of placing 'not' incorrectly, like 'We not could call you'—it should be 'We could not call you.'
• 😀 Modal verbs, such as 'mights' or 'wills', should not be changed with an 's'. For example, 'He mights go to sleep' is incorrect; it should be 'He might go to sleep.'

Q & A

What are modal verbs used for in English?

Modal verbs are used to express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and other similar concepts.

Can you list some of the most common modal verbs?

Yes, the most common modal verbs include 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'should', 'ought to', 'must', 'have to', 'will', 'shall', and 'would'.

What is the first rule when using modal verbs?

The first rule is that you should not change the modal verb based on tense. For example, you say 'He can swim', not 'He cans swim'.

Why can't we say 'He cans swim'?

'Cans' is incorrect because modal verbs do not change in the present tense. The correct sentence is 'He can swim'.

What is the second rule for using modal verbs correctly?

The second rule is to use the base form of the verb after the modal verb, without adding 'to'. For example, 'He might join us', not 'He might to join us'.

Why should we not use 'to' after a modal verb?

Modal verbs are followed directly by the base form of the verb without 'to'. This is a common mistake, but it is crucial to use the base form to ensure correct grammar.

How do you form the negative of a modal verb?

To form the negative of a modal verb, simply add 'not' after the modal verb. For example, 'You should not smoke', not 'You don't should smoke'.

What is the exception when making a modal verb negative?

The exception is with the modal verb 'have to'. When making it negative, you use 'don't have to', such as 'You don't have to do this'.

What mistake is commonly made when using modal verbs in negative form?

A common mistake is adding auxiliary verbs like 'don't', 'doesn't', or 'isn't' when using modals. The correct form is just 'not' after the modal verb.

What is the rule regarding the modal verb 'can' in its negative form?

The modal verb 'can' becomes 'cannot' in its negative form, and it is written as one word, 'cannot', not 'can not'.