Modal Verbs

MODAL VERBS

� � I can fly !!!�

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1. Express functions 2. Have the same form for all persons 3. Followed by Infinitive without �to� 4. Affirmative: Subject + Modal verb + Infinitive 5. Negative: Subject + Modal verb+ not (n�t) + Infinitive 6. Interrogative: Modal� verb+ Subject + Infinitive� ?

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� Modal �	� Functions	�Examples
Can��� (Present) Could� ( Past)	Ability / Capacity �	She can cook Chinese food. She could speak Chinese when she was 5 years old.
Can�� Could (more polite) May��(more formal)�	Request / Permission �	Can/ May I book a table online? Could you tell me the Chef�s name? Can I go to the restaurant with you? Yes, you can.
May�� Might(less probable)	� Possibility / Probability �	�