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Modal verbs(Modal Verbs) are verbs that do not denote actions, but express the speaker’s attitude towards the action. In other words, modal verbs express the possibility, probability, necessity of performing some action.
Grammatical features of modal verbs
Modal verbs are always used in combination with a semantic verb (that is, with its indefinite form) without a particle to.
The exceptions are modal verbs ought to, be to, have to, followed by an infinitive with a particle to.
I can swim. - I can swim.
You may go. - You can go.
You ought to know it. - You should know this.
Interrogative and negative forms of modal verbs are formed without the help of an auxiliary verb. In an interrogative sentence, the modal verb is placed in first place before the subject, and the negative form is formed using the particle not, which is placed after the modal verb. Exception is .
Can you swim? - You can swim?
May I go? -Can I go?
Ought we to consult a doctor? — Should we consult a doctor?
Do you have to read a lot? — Do you have to read a lot? (excl.)
I cannot swim. - I can not swim.
You must not cry. - You shouldn't cry.
You don't have to explain the details. - There is no need to explain the details. (excl.)
Modal verbs are characterized by shortened negative forms:
cannot = can't must not = mustn't should not = shouldn't, ought not = oughtn't etc.
Modal verbs and are used only in two tenses - in Present Simple (can, may) and in Past Simple (could And might).
Most modal verbs have more than one meaning. They may present an action from the speaker's point of view as necessary, possible, desirable, doubtful, problematic, or obligatory. Since modal verbs express not the action itself, but the attitude towards it, they are not used in the form of the imperative mood, that is, they cannot express an impulse to action. Due to the absence of a number of forms (for example, infinitive, participle, gerund), such verbs are also called insufficient.
IN English language In addition to verbal units that express action, there is a group of verbs that serve to fix modality in speech. In simple terms, they express not the action itself, but various kinds of relationships of a certain nature to these actions. Together with the infinitive, modal units form a compound predicate. In general, this is another group of “nasty” verbs in the English language. 
Modal form of the English verb The origin of these words is lost in the darkness of centuries. In any case, I was unable to come across a thread that would lead me to their origins. No matter how much I tried to find out their basis from various sources, I did not find anything unambiguous, but also no more or less intelligible explanation.
They differ from ordinary verbs in a number of features, which you can familiarize yourself with a little later. However, in my opinion, their most important feature is that they convey not the state or action of a person or object, but precisely our attitude: “I must know this table" or "I I want to learn these words."
What is meant by the word "attitude"? The speaker can evaluate any action as necessary, possible, requested, permitted, very probable, unlikely, prohibited, ordered, etc. Depending on the speaker’s assessment of the situation and the structure of the sentence, one of the modal verbs is used in speech.
In total, linguists managed to fix 4 actual modal ones, 4 of their main analogues, as well as 6 units of a polyfunctional type.
Modal verbs in English: 
Modal verbs in English
- Can/Could
- May/Might
- Be to
- Have to / Have got to
- Should
- Ought to
- Would
- Used to
- Shall
The first three are used most often in speech. These verbs sometimes replace other relational words because they have a more general meaning.
Modal verbs in English form interrogative sentences without the auxiliary unit to do, and the construction itself is in preposition: Shall I help you?
The negative form in a sentence is formed by placing the particle not in postposition. Often, especially in oral communication, they merge into one form and are reduced. See table:
If you want to learn how to construct sentences correctly, then you must remember that modal verbs, excluding have (got) to, ought to and be to, are followed by a bare infinitive, and the to particle disappears: I must go.
Distinctive features
Their second name is insufficient, due to the fact that they do not have a number of grammatical forms that other words have - states or actions. Modal verbs in English have the following features:
- They are not conjugated by numbers and persons, that is, in the 3rd person singular they do not form the ending -s. The exceptions are need to, have to and be able to, since they have a conjugation paradigm
- They are used in speech together with semantic verbs, which at the same time lose the to particle, or can be omitted in the context of a text or conversation: I have to
- Lack of gerunds, participles and impersonal infinitives due to the lack of complex tense forms (see next point)
- There is no future or past tense, and there are no continuous or perfect forms, with the exception of may (might) and can (could)
To make it easier to understand the rules for using modal verbs, carefully study this table: 
Table of modal verbs Why do you need to know modal verbs? 
Their correct use in spoken literate English confirms that you have mastered a level of English that has crossed the initial basic level of everyday communication. And if you don’t use them in your speech when communicating with an American or a British person, then this means that you are still at the initial stage of learning English and do not have sufficient competence.
Therefore, improve, grow, create a positive impression! Good luck!
Modal verbs- these are special verbs that indicate the expression of some ability of someone or something, someone’s responsibility, the possibility of permission to do something, depending on which verb is used in a particular context. Each modal verb has its own meaning, which you need to know, how and under what circumstances you need to use it.
Modal verbs have rules for declension in one form or another, and you should also take into account how interrogative, affirmative and negative sentences with these verbs.
If there are any additions or corrections to this article, as well as questions about the use of modal verbs in communication, then leave your messages in a special topic on our forum.
Meanings of modal verbs
Below is a list of all modal verbs in English, along with their meanings and examples of use:
| Modal verb | Meaning | Usage example |
|---|---|---|
| can/could |
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| be able to |
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| must |
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| have to |
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| should |
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| to be to |
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| ought to |
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| shall |
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| to be obliged to |
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| may |
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| to be allowed to |
|
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| need |
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| dare |
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| let |
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- Please note that paired verbs " can" And " be able to", "must" And " have to" have equivalent meaning, but the first can only be used in the present tense, and the second is declined in all tense forms.
- Pay attention to modal verbs used with the verb " to be" (For example " to be able to do something" - to be able to do something), since this verb has its own rules for declension by person in one form or another.
- In English there is a mandatory rule for using the particle " to " between two verbs, since the verb coming after the first one is used in the infinitive (indefinite) form, for example: I like to draw - To me I like to draw . After some modal verbs this rule does not apply (the particle "to" is not used), for example: I can draw - I can draw, but please note that after some modal verbs (you need to know that “to” is used after them) this rule still applies, for example: I am able to draw - I can draw.
Forming sentences with modal verbs
Sentences in English with modal verbs are formed according to general rules for the formation of sentences, where it is necessary to observe the order of words in the sentence, depending on what kind of sentence we want to form: interrogative, affirmative or negative, and also take into account what tense form is used (past, present or future tense )
Interrogative sentences with modal verbs
Interrogative sentences with modal verbs are formed as follows:
- General issues(the answer to which will be “yes” or “no”) - At the very beginning of the interrogative sentence, one or another modal verb should be placed directly and then the subject, predicate and other minor members of the sentence. For example:
- Can this child read? - Can this child read?
- Can do you swim? - You can swim?
- Am I able to swine - I can swim?
- May I take this book? - Can I borrow this book?
- Special questions- when a sentence uses one or another question word (Wh-questions), which is placed first in the sentence, then a modal verb is used and then all other members of the sentence, as in general questions. For example:
- Why can this child read? - Why can this child read?
- How can do you swim? - How can you swim?
- Why are you able to swim - Why can you swim?
- When could he do it? - When was he able to do this?
You can read more about all types of questions in the article - Interrogative sentences in English
Affirmative sentences with modal verbs
In affirmative sentences in English, one or another subject is used first, and then the predicate. The modal verb in affirmative sentences plays the role of a predicate, i.e. used immediately after the subject. For example.
- I can swim for a long time - I have been able to swim for a long time.
- I am able to swim for a long time - I have been able to swim for a long time.
- This child can alaredy read books - This child already knows how to read books.
- The students need money - Students need money.
Negative sentences with modal verbs
Negative sentences with modal verbs are formed in the same way as affirmative sentences, only after the modal verb it is necessary to use a negative particle - " not ". In writing they sometimes use a shortened form of a modal verb with negation - can"t or cannot, mustn"t (must not), shouldn"t (should not), needn"t or don"t/doesn"t need. Usage example:
- I can't (can't) swim - I can not swim.
- I am not able to swim - I can not swim.
- This child cannot read, because he is 3 years old - This child cannot read because he is 3 years old.
- The students don't need money - Students don't need money.
Temporal forms of modal verbs
Modal verbs, just like regular verbs, have the form of past, present and future tense. The table below gives rules and examples of how modal verbs are used in the past, present and future tenses:
| Modal verb | Past tense Past Simple Tense |
Present tense Present Simple Tense |
Future Future Simple Tense |
Explanations of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| can/could |
|
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Modal verb can/could
to be able to |
| be able to |
|
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This modal verb has all tense forms and can be used in the same way as the verb "can / could". You should pay attention to the inflection of the particle “to be” in tense forms, which is inflected according to persons. For example: I am able to ... He is able to... and so on. |
| must |
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Since this verb does not have a past or future tense form, it is necessary to use the verb " have to", which has the same meaning. |
| have to |
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This modal verb has the same meaning as the verb " must" has all tense forms. Please note that in the present tense in the 2nd person singular the verb is inflected. For example: She has to translate the book. |
| should |
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The future tense form of this modal verb is formed using the simple present tense form with the addition of a time adverbial. |
| to be to |
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This modal verb is not used. Also pay attention to the inflections of the verb " to be"by persons in past and present tenses. |
| ought to |
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You should pay attention to the negative form of sentences with this modal verb - " ought not to..." |
| shall |
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The form of the present and future tenses are absolutely identical and are translated according to the context |
| may |
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Modal verb may does not have a future tense form, so it is necessary to use a paired modal verb " to be allowed to", which has the same meaning. |
| to be allowed to |
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This modal verb has all tense forms and can be used in the same way as the verb "may". You should pay attention to the inflection of the tense forms of the particle “to be”, which is inflected according to persons. For example: I am allowed to ... He is allowed to... and so on. |
| to be obliged to |
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The negative form can have options: " I am not obliged to ... " And " I am obliged not to ... ". Also pay attention to the fact that the verb “to be” has a person inflection. |
| need |
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This verb is most often used as a regular verb meaning “to need something.” In this case, it has the usual forms of conjugation in all simple tense forms (He needs to make it) |
| dare |
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This modal verb can also be used as a regular verb. then it has the usual forms of conjugation and is followed by an infinitive with the particle " to", as shown in the future tense example. |
| let |
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The form of the past and present tenses is identical, so translation should be carried out according to the context. |
Conclusion
Dear readers, if there are any corrections, additions to this article, or if you have any questions on the topic of using modal verbs in English, then write your messages in a specially created discussion topic on our forum.
Modal verbs in English- these are verbs that do not have their own meaning; they can only be used in conjunction with another verb.English modal verbsexpress modality, that is, the speaker’s attitude to any action.
Modal verb Can
Can in the meaning of “to be able”, “to be able” is used to express the possibility of performing an action. One of the most common and frequently used modal verbs. It refers to insufficient verbs that do not exist in all forms.
Two forms of the verb can:
- can - present tense
- could - past tense and subjunctive mood
When negated, the negative particle not is usually added to this verb, but, unlike other cases, it becomes an integral part of the word - cannot.
Can and not are written separately in cases where not is part of another construct. One of the most frequently used such constructions is “not only..., but also” (not only..., but also). A shortened form is also possible - can’t.
I cannot create a document. - I can't create a document.
I can not only create a document, but also edit it. - I can not only create a document, but also edit it.
Uses of the verb Can
- Mental or physical activity.
Due to my spine problems, I can’t stand so long. - Because of my spinal problems, I can’t stand for that long (that is, I physically can’t).
He couldn't run faster. - He could run faster (physical activity - running).
I can memorize 20 words in 5 minutes. - I can remember 20 words in 5 minutes (implies mental activity).
- The general or theoretical probability of an action occurring.
She can do anything. - She can do anything.
You can get knowledge from books. - You can gain knowledge from books.
- Expressing a request. In this case, you can use both can and could, but the latter option will be more polite and formal.
Can you wait for me outside? -Can you wait for me outside?
Could you tell me how to get to the museum? - Could you tell me how to get to the museum?
- Permission to do something, a request for permission to perform certain actions, a prohibition.
Can I take a photo? - Can I take a photo?
You can do whatever you want. - You can do what you want.
You cannot enter the room without my permission. - You cannot enter the room without my permission.
- Expression of surprise, reproach or disbelief.
Can it be true? - Is that really true?
You could at least give me a hint! - You could at least give me a hint!
No, she can't treat me like this. - No, she can't do this to me.
Modal verb Be able to
Expressions with the verb can in the future tense are translated using the verb probability to be able to (to be able / able to do). It is almost equivalent to the verb can, but in the present and past tense it is more often used only to express that a person managed to do something, he succeeded in something.
English modal verbto be able to changes according to persons, numbers and tenses.
I couldn’t speak Chinese but I was able to explain what I wanted. - I couldn't speak Chinese, but I was able to explain what I wanted.
Carl will be able to move to England. - Karl will be able to move to England.
She is able to participate in that play. - She can participate in this play.
Modal verb May
Modal verbs that express probability also include the verb may in the meaning “allow”, “it is possible”.
Two forms of the verb may:
- may - present tense
- might - past tense and subjunctive mood
In negation, both forms have abbreviations:
- may not = mayn't
- might not = mightn't
Uses of the verb May
- Permission to do something, a request for permission to perform certain actions.
May I stay here? - May I stay here?
You may stay. - You can stay.
- An expression of uncertainty about the likelihood of an action occurring. Might can be used as an amplifier:
I may apply to Harvard. - I might apply to Harvard.
It might be raining tonight. - Maybe it will rain in the evening.
For greater formality, might can be used in both cases.
Modal verb Be allowed to
An analogue of the modal verb may is the modal verb be allowed to in the meaning of permission. This verb is used to show that permission has been given, without specifying by whom it was given. Since the verb to be changes in tenses, numbers and persons, the same changes apply to the modal verb be allowed to.
George was allowed to buy some sweets. - George was allowed to buy some sweets.
I’m allowed to edit the texts on the website. - I am allowed to edit texts on the website.
She is not allowed to enter. - She is not allowed to enter.
He was not allowed to have a pet. - He was not allowed to have a pet.
Modal verb Must
English modal verbmust is used to mean “must”. It has no past or future form. Can be used in the abbreviated form mustn’t.
Uses of the verb Must
- Expression of duty, necessity.
We must finish the essay before the deadline. - We must complete the essay before the deadline.
- Forced action.
You must do this, or you will have problems. - You have to do this, otherwise you'll get in trouble.
- Order or prohibition.
You must arrest him! - You must arrest him!
You must not break the rules. - You must not break the rules.
- Expression of confidence.
Charlie must be happy. - Charlie must be (probably) happy.
Modal verb Have to
Since must does not have a past or future tense, the modal verb have (has) to is used instead in such cases. It varies according to numbers, persons and tenses.
We had to update the profiles. - We needed to update the profiles.
I'll have to meet him. - I'll have to meet him.
The modal verb have to (have got to) is used in the meaning “have to”, “must”. In addition to the above-mentioned case, it is also used independently, without replacing the verb must. It is usually used to show that some action must be performed “because it is necessary, and not because you want to.”
I have to get up early in the morning. - I have to (I have to) get up early in the morning.
Differences between Must and Have to
- Modal verb must in Englishis used when there is an awareness of duty, the need to do something, and there is also a rule that must be followed.
You must help your parents. - You must help your parents.
- When using have to, we mean that we do not want to do something, but we will have to due to circumstances.
We had to give in. - We had to give in.
Differences between Have to and Have got to
- Have got to implies a specific action.
- Have to implies a repeated action.
I have to consult my doctor every time before I go abroad. - I must consult a doctor every time before traveling abroad.
Modal verb Should
The modal verb should is used in the meaning “must”, “should”. When negated, it has the abbreviated form shouldn’t.
Uses of the verb Should
- Moral obligation.
I should do something good for him. - I have to do something good for him.
I should be proud of my child. - I should be proud of my child.
- Advice.
You should avoid passive people. - You need to avoid passive people.
She should learn foreign languages. - She should learn foreign languages.
You should understand that there is nothing more important than your family. - You must understand that there is nothing more important than your family.
- Instructions.
You should mix the flour and the yeast. - You must mix flour and yeast.
Modal verb Ought to
Like should, it is used in the meaning of “must”, “should”, but is used much less often. This modal verb has only one form. In negation it can be shortened to oughtn’t to.
Ought to is used to express advice and obligation.
We ought to complain about the quality. - We have to complain about the quality.
He ought to buy her flowers. - He should buy her flowers.
You ought to give all your love to children. - You must give all your love to children.
Modal verbs Shall and Will
They combine modal meaning and the meaning of future tenses. In negation, shall can be shortened to shan’t, will - to won’t.
Shall is used in cases where you need to offer to do something.
Shall I open the door for you? - Should I open the door for you?
English modal verb willused when you need to insist on something. It can also be found in interrogative sentences that imply orders.
You will clean the room. -You'll have to clean the room.
Will you keep quiet? - Keep quiet!
Modal verb Be to
Used to express commitment. Used in past and present tenses.
Uses of the verb Be to
- An expression of actions that are performed according to a specific schedule.
The plane is to take off in 15 minutes. - The plane takes off in 15 minutes.
- For actions that are predetermined.
The little girl was to become the most successful writer in the USA. - This little girl will become the most successful writer in the USA in the future.
- To express a prohibition or impossibility.
People are not to be in that area. - People should not be in this territory.
The language is not to be learned in 6 months. - This language cannot be learned in six months.
Modal verb would
Used for polite requests and suggestions. It is necessary to distinguish between would in the meaning of “would” and would as a modal verb. Has a shortened negative form wouldn’t.
Would is used in sentences, assumptions and requests.
Would you turn on the computer, please? - Could you turn on the computer, please?
Would you like a pie, or a cake? - Would you like some pie or cake?
It would be his brother over there. - That's probably his brother over there.
This modal verb can be used as an analogue of the modal verb used to, expressing actions that happened before, but are no longer happening now.
When I was little, I would watch cartoons every day. - When I was little, I watched cartoons every day.
Listsemimodal verbs in English
Semi-modal verbs include those verbs that in a statement can act both as a main verb and as a modal verb, depending on the meaning and construction of the sentence.
Verb Used to
There is still debate about its belonging to modal verbs.
Used only to express actions/states that happened in the past. When translated into Russian, sentences with the verb used to may have the adverb “earlier”.
I used to like skiing when I was young. - When I was young, I liked skiing.
He didn’t use to (used not to) drink alcohol that much. - He didn’t drink so much alcohol before.
Max used to speak English fluently. - Max used to be fluent in English.
Options for forming negation: “didn’t use to” or “used not to.”
Formation of the question: “Did he use to...?”
Verb Need
Indicates the need to perform an action. The shortened form of negation is needn’t.
Uses of the verb Need
- Conveys the meaning of “need” in affirmative sentences.
All we need is love. - All we need is Love.
You needn’t do this until you are ready. - You don't have to do this until you're ready.
- It is used in questions when the author wants to hear a denial in response.
Do I need to call her? I dislike that girl. - Do I really need to call her? I don't like this girl so much.
Verb Dare
Used to mean “take a risk”, “dare to do something”. As a semantic verb it also retains these meanings. Does not require the use of auxiliary verbs.
How dare you tell me what to do?! - How dare you tell me what to do?
They dare not ask about the salary. - They don't dare ask about salary.
In its meaning, the modal verb dare does not differ from the semantic verb dare.
Verb let
Used to mean “let”, “permit”, “permit”. As a semantic verb it also retains these meanings.
Let her think about it. - Let her think about it.
Let Michael not come tomorrow. - Let Michael not come tomorrow.
Using modal verbs
Some modal verbs can vary according to tense, but they do not vary according to person and number. In a sentence after a modal verb, a regular verb in the infinitive without the particle to is required.
Formula: I / You / He / She / It / We / You / They + Modal Verb + Main Verb
Example: I can dance. - I can dance.
The particle to can be part of modal verbs, but there are only three such verbs: have (got) to, ought to and be to.
Without a modal verb, the ending of the semantic verb can change depending on the person and number, acquiring the ending -s (-es). Modal verbs do not follow this rule, with the exception of have to. When conjugated, the verb have in the modal form changes in persons and numbers in the same way as in the present tense.
Formula: I / You / We / They + have to
Example: I have to wash my car. - I need to wash the car.
Formula: He / She / It + has to
Example: She has to read four books for this class. - She needs to read four books for this lesson.
Modal verbs in English according to the rulesdo not have a gerund form, so the ending -ing is not added to them.
Auxiliary verbs are not required in negative and interrogative sentences with modal verbs. Have to in this case will be an exception.
In English, there are special verbs that are necessary to express ability, opportunity, obligation, permission. They are not subject to the rules for forming forms of ordinary verbs. Modal verbs in English occupy a separate level of grammar; their meanings must be remembered so as not to get into an awkward situation. Let's look at the basic modal verbs, the rules for their use, and their meanings.
What is a modal verb?
A modal verb is a verb that does not express an action, but indicates possibility, necessity and other meanings. It is not used independently, but only in combination with a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive. Modal ones include might, must, can, could, ought, should and others. Only some of them have a past tense form, for example, can - could, while others use the perfect infinitive to express the completeness of the action:
He must have done it. - He must have already done it.
Among the formal distinctive features are the following:
- Lack of ending - s in the 3rd person present tense. She can swim. - She can swim. He might be there. - He should be there.
- Lack of infinitive, gerund, and past participle.
- Lack of an auxiliary verb in interrogative sentences. The modal verb comes first in general questions and after the question word in special ones. Can you help me? - Can you help me? May I come in? - Can I come in? How can I help you? - How can I help?
- Formation of a negative form using the particle not without adding an auxiliary verb. We don't need to do that. - We don't need to do this.
- Many English modal verbs have equivalents. For example, to have (must), to be (must), to be able to (can, could), to be allowed (might, may).
- Most modal verbs are followed by a semantic verb expressed by an infinitive without the particle to, however, there are exceptions. For example, You ought to be more careful. - You should be more careful. This fact ought not to be mentioned so often. - This should not have been mentioned so often.
Modal verbs in English: rules of use
Let's look at the main modal verbs in English according to their meanings. Moreover, each modal verb can have more than one meaning:
Probability Expression
Verbs are used to express possibility or probability can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would. The speaker uses must, should if he is completely confident in his words.
He hasn`t had a lunch. He must be hungry. - he didn't have lunch. He must be hungry.
It`s very dark outside. It must be dangerous to home on foot. - It's very dark outside. Walking home is dangerous.
Ask Peter. He shouldn't know. - Ask Peter. He should know.
The speaker uses could, may, might to express the possibility of something in the future.
We might come late. - We might be late.
He may travel by plane. - Perhaps he will fly on an airplane.
Unless we hurry up, we could be late. - We might be late if we don't hurry up.
To express actions possible in the present or near past, the perfect infinitive is used.
It`s practically 3 o`clock now. She could have arrived now. - It's almost three o'clock. She could have already arrived.
He might have come hours ago. - She could have arrived several hours ago.
The English modal verbs could, can in the negative form with the particle not are used to express the impossibility of something in the past or present tense.
It was a joke. She couldn`t be serious. - It was a joke. She couldn't speak seriously.
It can`t be true.- This cannot be true.
Expression of physical ability and ability to perform an action
To express a person's abilities and physical skills, the modal verb can is used. It has two tense forms: can to express a person’s abilities in the present and could - in the past. In other tense forms, the verb can be equivalent to to be able (to).
We can`t translate the text.- We cannot translate the text.
He couldn`t see me, I was too far. - He couldn't see me, I was too far away.
We'll be able to see each other very often. - We can see each other more often.
He has been able to help me. - He managed to help me.
Expressing permission to perform an action
The speaker uses the modal verb can to ask permission to do something. Past tense form could will mean the same thing, but will make the phrase more polite and formal.
Can I ask a question? - Can I ask a question?
Could I ask a question? - Let me ask a question.
The verb may has a modal meaning: to allow something to be done and can be used instead of can.
May I visit a doctor? - Can I visit the doctor?
Expression of obligation
To express obligation, the modal verbs must, have to, need to are usually used, the negative form of which is intended to express the absence of the need to do something. Most should verbs are in the present tense. Had to also has a past tense form.
I must pick up my daughter from the kindergarten. - I have to pick up my child from kindergarten.
When I was ill I had to take the pills two times a day. - When I was sick, I had to take pills 2 times a day.
To give advice to someone, we can also use the corresponding modal verbs should or ought to.
You should stop smoking. - You have to quit smoking.
You ought to cut down the amount of meat you eat. - You should reduce the amount of meat you eat.
The modal verb ought to together with the perfect infinitive will help you criticize someone's behavior.
He should have made more effort on winning the medal. “He should have put in more effort and tried to win a medal.”
Table of modal verbs
For convenience and clarity, examples of modal verbs along with their meanings can be placed in a table.
|
necessity of action |
You must understand it. You must understand this. |
|
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You mustn`t turn right. Right turns are prohibited. |
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You should lose some weight. You should lose weight. You should`t drink coffee before going to bed. You shouldn't drink coffee before bed. |
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shouldn`t + perfect infinitive |
criticize someone's style of behavior |
You should`t have given your telephone number to a stranger. You shouldn't have given your phone number to a stranger. |
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You ought to go to the dentist. You should visit the dentist. |
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the need to perform an action |
We need to talk to each other. We need to talk to each other. |
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ask permission; talk about skills and abilities. |
Can I take these documents? Can I take these documents? I could swim when I was 6. When I was 6 years old, I could swim. |
Sentences with modal verbs are very common in English. It is important to learn to understand their meaning in each specific case.