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MODAL VERBS

We do not use modal verbs alone.


1. A modal verb goes before another verb (except in short answers):
a) You must go b) Leyla can dance c) It might snow
The second verb is always in the infinitive form, without any past tense and without any -ing, -s or -ed ending.
We cannot say xhe must workedx, xshe must washingx or xshe must dancesx
2. Modal verbs has no -ing, -s or -ed endings
Unlike other verbs, modal verbs never change their form. We cannot say xyou are musting gox or Emmet cans
dancex
3. Modal verbs have adifferent negative form
We cannot make negatives with dont, doesnt or didnt. To make a negative, put not or nt after the modal verb:
Waalique must not go (formal) or Waalique musnt go (informal)
With can, we join not to make one word : cannot
4. Modal verbs have a different question form
We cannot make questions with do, does or did.
To make a question, change the word order:
Azam must go -> Must Azam go?
Fida can dance-> Can Fida dance?
5. Most modal verbs have no past tense
Except for can (past tense could) and will (past tense would), modal verbs do not have a past tense.

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