#Past modal verbs exercises how to#

There are two modal verbs we use to describe ability вЂ“ вЂcanвЂ™ and вЂcouldвЂ™. May I wear jeans to the office? вЂ“ IвЂ™m afraid you may not because we have a strict dress code.Д¬an my kids play here? Describing Abilities and Possibilities We can also ask and give permission with varying levels of formality:Д®xcuse me, could we sit here? вЂ“ Certainly.Д¬an I get myself a glass of water, John? вЂ“ Sure, help yourself. Would you send the material as soon as possible please?Д¬ould you bring us the bill please? Asking and Giving Permission In English there are several ways we can make requests and with different levels of formality:

Now youвЂ™ve seen the structure, letвЂ™s look at the different situations in which we use modal verbs. To make questions we invert the subject and the modal verb: To make negative sentences, we add вЂnotвЂ™: Affirmative sentences are the same for all subjects with modal verbs, which means you donвЂ™t need to add -s to the third person singular: The great thing about modal verbs is that they all follow three simple rules to make affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences. Each modal verb describes either how, why or when an action happens. In fact, most modal verbs have no real meaning without another verb. Modal verbs are special verbs that we use in combination with another verb. LetвЂ™s have a look to see what modal verbs have in common and the many ways they can be used.

So learning how to use modal verbs can really improve your level of fluency. Modal verbs are a fundamental part of English because they express obligations, abilities, probabilities, suggestions and much more.

#Past modal verbs exercises how to#