Modal verbs: can/could/be able to/could have don

Modal verbs: can/could/be able to/could have don

Introduction

There are only twelve modal auxiliary verbs but they are used with very great frequency and in a wide range of meanings. They express concepts or attitudes relating to: recommendation, obligation, necessity, and prohibition; permission and refusal, possibility, expectation, probability and certainty, promise and attention, ability and willingness. There are four paired forms – can/could, may/might, shall/should, will/would and four single forms – must, ought to, need, dare.

In this seminary paper we will will write about can/could/be able to/could have done.First we will explain modal verb,and then we will give some example for that verb.

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important differences:
1. Modal verbs do not take “-s” in the third person.
Examples:
•    He can  speak Chinese.
•    She should  be here by 9:00.
2. You use “not” to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past.
Examples:
•    He should not be late.
•    They might not come to the party.
3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.
Examples:
•    He will can go with us. Not Correct
•    She musted study very hard. Not Correct