Mastering Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English Grammar

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Modal auxiliary verbs are used before the base forms of other verbs to add certain meanings.

• You should brush your teeth before bed (recommendation).
• He can come in now (permission).

Using Can and Could

We use can to talk about ability, possibility, and permission in the present, and could in the past.

• I know you can swim, but you can have an accident running near the pool.
• When my grandpa was young, he could dance all night.

Using Would

We can use would to talk about imaginary situations.

• I would love to be a professional athlete!
• If I won the lottery, I would buy a house!

Using Should

The modal auxiliary verb should is used to make recommendations or give advice.

• You should visit the dentist twice a year.
• Children shouldn't eat so many sweets.

Forming Affirmative Sentences

Affirmative sentences are made up of a modal auxiliary verb + base form of the verb.

• You could always ask him your doubts in class.
• He should see a doctor about that cough.

Forming Negative Sentences

In the negative form, the adverb not is used after the modal auxiliary verb. Contractions are common.

• Rachel shouldn't text and drive.
• They cannot play because it's raining.

Forming Questions

To make questions, modal auxiliary verbs are moved to the beginning of the sentence, and a question mark is placed at the end.

• Would you like some ice cream?
• Can you speak German?

Short Answers

Short answers to questions with modal auxiliary verbs only use the auxiliary verbs without the main verb.

• Would you like some tea? Yes, I would.
• Should I buy that car? No, you shouldn't.

Have To

Have to is a phrasal verb that means something is necessary or not necessary to do.

• I don't have to work on Saturday.
• Matt has to take Vito out for a walk.

Affirmative Structure with Have To

To make an affirmative sentence, conjugate the verb have in the corresponding verb tense and add the base form of the main verb.

• We had to evacuate the building.
• Jerry will have to write a short essay.

Present Tense Third Person

In the simple present, the third person singular uses has.

• John has to write a two-page essay.
• Sara has to work late today.

Negative Sentences with Have To

In negative sentences, we add not to the corresponding auxiliary verb + have + base form of the verb.

• Grandpa won't have to do all the cooking.
• You didn't have to call me.

Questions with Have To

We make questions with have to by placing the corresponding auxiliary verb at the beginning of the sentence and a question mark at the end.

• Did Maria have to walk to the store?
• Do I have to wear a uniform?