Modal verbs

Question

Are Modal S not conjugated? Do they not have tense and can they be used without a main verb?

What does it mean by the statement:

When used with model verbs (except ought), main verbs always remain in the infinitive without to.

Is it gramatically correct to say: Can I help u? Can/ could make a request? Can can make a request
Can the modal verb can give instructions or permission?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Welcome to English Forums!

The modal verbs are will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must.

They always occur exactly as written above. No endings such as s or ed or ing are ever used, so you can't have forms like shoulds, canned, or musting. And you can't have a full infinitive form either, such as to shall or to might.

rodsWhen used with ~~model~~ modal verbs (except ought), main verbs always remain in the infinitive without to.

It means that the verb following one of those nine modal verbs shown above is always the dictionary form (also called the base form).

may go, could see, must know, should find, would do

Never: may to go, could to see, must to know, should to find, would to do.

(ought is basically another way of saying should, and in this case you use the word to, like this: ought to go, ought to see, and so on.)

CJ

Yankee · Answer

Hi Rods

rodsIs it gramatically correct to say: Can I help u you? Can/ could make a request? Can can make a request
Can the modal verb can give instructions or permission?

"Can I help you?" is usually used (and understood) as an offer of help, but you could also use it to ask for permission to help.

"Can I have a cupcake?" --> This is an informal request.
"Can I go to the mall with Jenny and Mary?" --> This is an informal request for permission.

Pleasehelp · Answer

This is interesting.

Modal verbs

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