Modal verbs or auxiliary verbs are used to express the need for something or possibility of something happening.
Below are some formulas to help you construct sentences using them.
D
Making Requests
Would + subject + lend + (me,him,her, them)
Can +subject + borrow + ( me, him , her , it) + object
K
Modals of advisability
Subject + ought to verb infinitive + to + object
You ought to come early.
Subject + ought to + be + verb + ing (to) object
Subject + ought to + not + be + verb + ing ( to) object
He oughtn’t (to) leave your keys in the car.
Subject + should + verb infinitive
You should sleep early.
Subject + should + not + verb + infinitive
You shouldn’t eat junk food.
Subject + had better + verb infinitive
I had better work harder .
Subject + had better + not + verb infinitive
You’d better take care of it.
H
Requesting Actions
Would/ could / will / can + subject + (please) verb infinitive + me/ him/ her+ please
Would you please help her?
Requesting and Giving permission
May/could/can + subject+ verb infinitive
May we sit here?
Could I use your pencil?
J
Expressing Ability
Subject + can + verb infinitive
Can Ali get a credit card?
Subject + can+ not + verb infinitive
Can’t you come earlier?
Can + subject + verb infinitive …?
Past ability
Subject + could + verb infinitive
I could speak English ten years ago.
H
Be able to
Subject +be + able to + verb infinitive + object
We are able to work.
Subject + be + not + able to + verb infinitive + object
He isn’t able to find a job.
Be + subject + able to + verb infinitive + object
Am I able to beat him?
”Able to” for Future
Use will / won’t for future
Will + subject + be able to + verb infinitive + object
Will I be able to speak English perfectly?
Expectations
Subject + should/ ought to + verb infinitive
The train should arrive by 10.
It shouldn’t take long.
Expressing Preferences
Subject + would like + infinitive
I’d like to visit Makkah.
Subject + wouldn’t like + infinitive
Would like + infinitive ?
Would you like to go with me?
Would like + (pro) noun + infinitive ?
Would you like me to help you?
Subject + would rather + infinitive
Subject + would rather + not + infinitive
I’d rather not visit Austria.
Would + subject + rather + infinitive …?
Would you rather eat Kabsa?
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