Modal and Modal Phrases

A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express the same things as modals, but are a combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to. The modals and semi-modals in English are:

Can/could/be able to

May/might

Shall/should

Must/have to

Will/would

Can, Could, Be Able To

Can, could and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas in English:

Ability/Lack of Ability

Present and Future:

can/can’t + base form of the verb

Tom can write poetry very well.

I can help you with that next week.

Lisa can’t speak French.

am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb

am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb

Tom can write poetry very well.

I can help you with that next week.

Lisa can’t speak French.

am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb

am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb

Mike is able to solve complicated math equations

The support team will be able to help you in about ten minutes.

I won’t be able to visit you next summer.