Como usar MODAL VERBS em inglês | English in Brazil - Aula 12

Summary

This lesson focuses on modal verbs in English, explaining their unique characteristics and usage. Modal verbs like 'can,' 'may,' and 'must' are highlighted for their ability to express ability, possibility, permission, and obligation. Key points include their placement before the main verb, their unchanging form across subjects, and their use in forming negative and interrogative sentences without the need for auxiliary verbs. The lesson also covers polite requests and advice, demonstrating different levels of formality. Interactive exercises help reinforce the concepts, encouraging viewers to practice and apply what they've learned.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modal verbs are special because they modify the meaning of the main verb and are used to express ability, possibility, requests, and obligations.
• 😀 Modal verbs always appear before the main verb in a sentence (e.g., 'I can drive').
• 😀 Modal verbs are not conjugated based on the subject; they remain the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural (e.g., 'She can drive').
• 😀 To form negative sentences with modal verbs, simply add 'not' after the modal (e.g., 'I cannot drive').
• 😀 To form questions, invert the subject and the modal verb (e.g., 'Can you drive?').
• 😀 'Can' is used to express ability, possibility, and requests (e.g., 'Can I help you?').
• 😀 'May' expresses possibility but is less certain than 'can' (e.g., 'It may rain tomorrow').
• 😀 'Must' indicates strong obligation or necessity (e.g., 'You must wear a helmet').
• 😀 'Should' is used to give advice or make suggestions (e.g., 'You should study more').
• 😀 'Would' is used for polite requests and hypothetical situations (e.g., 'Would you like some coffee?').

Q & A

What are modal verbs in English?

Modal verbs in English are auxiliary verbs used to express ability, possibility, permission, or requests. Examples include 'can,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' 'should,' 'would,' and 'must'.

What is the first special characteristic of modal verbs?

The first special characteristic is that modal verbs always appear before the main verb in a sentence. For example, in 'I can drive,' 'can' is the modal verb and 'drive' is the main verb.

Do modal verbs change according to the subject of the sentence?

No, modal verbs do not change according to the subject. For instance, 'I can drive,' 'She can drive,' and 'They can drive' all use 'can' without any changes.

How do you form negatives with modal verbs?

To form a negative with a modal verb, you add 'not' after the modal verb. For example, 'I cannot drive' or the contracted form 'I can't drive'.

How do you form questions with modal verbs?

To form a question with a modal verb, you invert the subject and the modal verb. For example, 'Can you drive?' or 'Can he sing?'

What is the difference between 'must' and 'have to'?

'Must' indicates a strong obligation or necessity, often more formal, while 'have to' indicates obligation or necessity but can be less formal. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt' vs. 'I have to go now.'

How can 'can' be used in English?

'Can' is used to express ability, possibility, or permission. For example, 'I can swim' (ability), 'Can I go there?' (permission), or 'It can rain today' (possibility).

What does the modal verb 'may' indicate?

'May' is used to express possibility or permission. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' (possibility) or 'May I leave early?' (permission).

What is the difference between 'should' and 'would'?

'Should' is used to give advice or recommendations, like 'You should study more.' 'Would' is used for hypothetical situations or polite requests, like 'Would you like some coffee?'

How do modal verbs change the meaning of a sentence?

Modal verbs change the meaning of a sentence by expressing different attitudes or intentions, such as possibility, necessity, permission, or requests. For example, 'I can swim' expresses ability, while 'I should swim' suggests a recommendation.