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Grammar Rules
Adjectives
Modal Verbs
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Modal and Modal
rules/adjectives/) Phrases
Verbs (Semi-Modals)
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/content A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb
/grammar- (http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs
rules/verbs/) /auxiliary-or-helping-verbs/) that is used to express: ability,
Action Verbs possibility, permission or obligation. Modal phrases (or
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semi-modals) are used to express the same things as modals,
/content
but are a combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to.
/grammar-
rules/verbs/action- The modals and semi-modals in English are:
verbs/)
1. Can/could/be able to
Auxiliary Verbs
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/grammar- 3. Shall/should
rules/verbs 4. Must/have to
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or-helping-verbs/) 5. Will/would
Stative Verbs
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Phrasal Verbs
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Verb Tenses
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Irregular Verbs
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Confusing Verbs
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/confusing-verbs/) Can, Could, Be Able To
Gerunds and Can, could and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
Infinitives in English:
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/content
/grammar- Ability/Lack of Ability
rules/verbs
/gerunds- Present and Future:
and-infinitives/)
can/cant + base form of the verb
Passive Voice
(http://www.gingersoftware.com 1. Tom can write poetry very well.
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/grammar- 2. I can help you with that next week.
rules/verbs
3. Lisa cant speak French.
/passive-voice/)
Nouns
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am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb
/content am not/ isnt / arent/ wont be + able to + base form of the verb
/grammar-
rules/nouns/) 1. Mike is able to solve complicated math
Conjunctions equations
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2. The support team will be able to help you in
/content
/grammar- about ten minutes.
rules/conjunctions/) 3. I wont be able to visit you next summer.
Pronouns
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Past:
/content
/grammar- could / couldnt + base form of the verb
rules/pronouns-2/)
Adverb 1. When I was a child I could climb trees.
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/content
/grammar- was / were + able to + base form of the verb
rules/adverb/)
wasnt / werent + able to + base form of the verb
Preposition hasnt / havent + been able to + base form of the verb
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/content 1. I wasnt able to visit her in the hospital.
/grammar-
rules/preposition/) 2. He hasnt been able to get in touch with the
client yet.
Note: Can and could do not take an infinitive (to verb) and do
not take the future auxiliary will.
Possibility / Impossibility
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
1. You can borrow my car.
Answers:
May, Might
Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition
Polite Request
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
2. Our company might get the order if the client
agrees to the price.
1. Adam and Sue may not buy that house. Its very
expensive.
2. They might not buy a house at all.
Polite Suggestion
Answers:
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
1. Should I call a doctor?
To Give Advice
Answers:
Note: have to and need to are often used in the same context,
but many times, need to is used to express something that is
less urgent, something in which you have a choice.
To Persuade
Prohibited or Forbidden
Lack of Necessity
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night.
Its a surprise! (must not, need to, doesnt have to)
2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday,
otherwise she wont get a place in them. (doesnt have
to, mustnt, has to)
3. You ________ send that fax. Ive already sent it. (must,
will have to, dont have to)
4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide
dog. (must, need to, dont have to)
5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was
cancelled. (mustnt, doesnt have to, dont need to)
Answers:
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
Answers:
Answers:
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What Is a Modal Verb? | List of Modal Verbs | Ginger http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/modal-verbs/
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