GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Modals

Definition

A modal is an auxiliary, or helping, verb and is placed in front of another verb to add a different meaning to that verb.

Example

This modal adds the idea of "possibility" to the verb "help." Here the meaning is:

• It is possible for Kevin to help us.
• Kevin is able to help us.

Explanation

Modals —

• are used with the simple form of verbs. (The simple form is the infinitive verb without "to." For example: infinitive = to help; simple form = to help.) "Kevin can help us."
• eliminate the "s" on the simple form of the verb in third-person singular: "He can help us," not "He can helps us."
• do not use "do" for questions and short answers.

• usually do not have infinitive forms or participle forms:
• to can - infinitive
• canning - participle
• canned - past participle
• can be contracted: can not = can't.
• have two very general kinds of meanings:
• amount of certainty (completely certain to not at all certain)
• obligation or freedom to do something (free to do something to not free to do something)

Related Sections

Contractions
Verbs