MODAL VERBS I

There are some basic rules that you have to follow when you use MODAL VERBS


Modal verbs are verbs such as  CAN       MUST       SHOULD     MAY       COULD   .....

1.  NO USE OF AUXILIARY VERBS

                             I can run              I can't  run             can I run  ?

2. NO -S /-ES ENDING  when preceeded by HE, SHE or IT

                                           I can run          she can  run

3. ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY AN INFINITIVE VERB

                                            I can run         I can't run       Can I run?👍👍

You must remember the rules of the verb TO BE to form the affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences. The only thing you have to remember is the third rule of the modals (always followed by an infinitive)

These rules do not apply with the SEMIMODAL VERBS  

The semimodal verbs are those verbs formed by two words:

HAVE TO               NEED TO         OUGHT TO    

These verbs follow the third rule, but not the other two:


1. They need an auxiliary verb

I have to go     I don't have to go        Do I have to go?

She has to go     She doesn't have to go        Does she have to go?


2. They add the -s/-es ending when preceeded by HE, SHE or IT

She has to go       He needs to go       It has to happen

3. They are followed by an infinitive verb, as the Modal verbs do.

I need to go           She needs to stay            He doesn't have to say it......


You have to remember the rules for the Present Simple affirmative of the verb PLAY, for example.