http://www.englishforums.com/search/pro.htm?q=tag%3aModal+VerbsSearch results for 'tag:Modal Verbs' matching tag 'Modal Verbs'en-USXMOD (Build: 3607.32596)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Infinitive/lxxkm/post.htm#991791Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:47:58 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:991791ruslanaDo you have any particular sentences that make you confused? Maybe if you post them, it will be easier to explain. Generally, there are certain verbs that don't requite "to". Most modal verbs, for example. You should go there. However, You ought to go there. Also, you don't need "to" with the verb "make" if it implies "force", e.g. They make me go there. (= They force me to go there.)http://www.englishforums.com/English/FutureTenses/lxkkg/post.htmTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:14 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:990579yaggy74Hi I just wondered if someone would be so kind as to just check my answers make sure I have understood correctly. Many thanks in advance. I have to read the following sentences and decide if they use one of the following 4:- the future with 'going to' future simple 'will', the present continuous with a future meaning or Modal verbs 1. If you don't stop hitting my car, I shall call the police. MODAL VERB 2. Chloe is going swimming this morning. PRESENT CONTINUOUS WITH A FUTURE MEANING 3. I'm going to treat myself to som chocolate today. FUTURE WITH (GOING TO) 4. Are you watching a movie tonight? PRESENT CONTINUOUS WITH A FUTURE MEANING 5. Shall we see Gladiator or...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Passive/qnkj/post.htm#955504Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:48:36 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:955504califjimI just want to point out the word "could" is indicative of the subjunctive mood Modal verbs don't have tenses and moods in the way that other verbs do. could certainly acts like a past subjunctive in If I could help you, I would. but could , like several other modals, can act in other ways as well, including as a conditional or a simple past. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/MainVerbsAuxiliaryVerbs/lgxnn/post.htmSun, 25 Oct 2009 13:20:56 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:952489yaggy74Hi There, I am having trouble understanding Main verbs and Auxiliary verbs could someone please assist me. If there is a modal verb before the main verb would I class this as a main verb? I understand that the primary Auxiliary verbs are be, have, do I have answered the questions as I understand it, however I understand if it is negative or a question it is Auxiliary but I am still not sure. I would be most grateful if someone could check my answers and explain to me where I have gone wrong and why. Thank you for your time. Please read the following sentences and decide which sentences include an Auxiliary verb, and which only have one main verb. 1. Chris is in Tokyo at the moment. AUXILIARY ...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WouldCouldSubjunctiveMoodFuture-Tense/lznkb/post.htm#947766Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:10:11 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:947766califjimWhy should we use 'would' ,'could' in the subjunctive mood and in the future tense? would and could , along with several other verbs, are called modal verbs. The modal verbs don't really have tenses, so you can't really use would and could (or the other modals) in the subjunctive mood or in the future tense. However, these two are often used in conditional sentences to signify consequent actions taken on the basis of other hypothetical (envisioned) actions. You have a good example of this in your list: If I were you, I wouldn't do that. The envisioned situation is "I am you". (We know it's false, but we imagine it.) The envisioned consequence is "I won't do that". To show that...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbFunction/kpldw/post.htm#912487Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:12:17 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:912487califjimDon't get distracted by what may happen later if things play out a certain way. I believe your problem is that you're concentrating on what the sentence is about, rather than how the actual modal verb (can/could/can't) functions in the sentence. I couldn't agree more. The exercise is only about the modal verbs, not about the implications of entire sentences -- although I might have to hedge that opinion in a few cases where the implied context comes into it. Further, the choices given are only a crude approximation of the function of the modals. You would need at least twenty more choices to represent the true subtlety of what modals can do. As a result, you may have to squeeze something into a category where it...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ThisRegardingFutureFunctions/kpgnp/post.htmMon, 21 Sep 2009 00:56:05 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:910875jeroden2504Hi, I have been working on 'Future Functions,' and they were a little tricky. I have answered them all, but I need some help to clear some of these up. There is the possibility that I am using will and shall all wrong. Thanks for the help. My answer will be written in bold and italic. Exercise We have learned in the second module that the modal verbs will and shall are often used before the main verb to indicate a future time. Look at the following functions and complete the following exercise: A command or order A future possibility An offer A suggestion A definite future event A request Shall we go to the cinema? - 4. A suggestion (I know that shall refers to the future, but this to me looks...http://www.englishforums.com/English/InifinitiveVerbs/kxgxd/post.htm#906010Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:10:01 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:906010califjimSo you know they're infinitives. Otherwise they could be imperatives or the present tense. But don't use the to after modal verbs like can and must ! CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/dbgn/post.htm#892631Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:36:22 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:892631califjimSee Re: May/might, can/could, shall/should, must/have to, will/would - when to use what? for a start. Then you might want to do a Google search for ideas for further research. And don't neglect to check at your local library. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/dbgn/post.htm#892448Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:34:30 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:892448anonymouswhat kind of info do u need exactly?http://www.englishforums.com/English/MustHaveTo/khdjr/post.htmFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:53:44 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:870621olgaaWhich of the modal verbs (have to or must) is preferable in the situations like these: You must/have to fasten your seat belt while driving? You must/have to stop at the STOP sign. The law says you must/have to pay the taxes. In such situations we can refer the action to the law. And if we break it, we will be punushed, fined etc. But at the same time it can be considered as a strong order. Or must is used only with the shade of someone's personal opinion and only have to is possible here?http://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionInBe/2/hnqcj/Post.htm#831750Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:831750fandorinSo why is it wrong to say "will can"? There are different kinds of verbs. Some are called modal verbs. They are will, shall, can, would, should, could, may, might, and must . Only one modal verb can occur in a single clause, and it has to be the first verb. CJ What about olad and old-time need ? It's obsolete as a modal, isn't it?http://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionInBe/2/hnqcj/Post.htm#830737Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:08:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:830737califjimSo why is it wrong to say "will can"? There are different kinds of verbs. Some are called modal verbs. They are will, shall, can, would, should, could, may, might, and must . Only one modal verb can occur in a single clause, and it has to be the first verb. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/QuestionInBe/2/hnqcj/Post.htm#830736Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:04:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:830736fandorinBecause modal verbs, which are also auxillary, can only take Bare Infinitive (without to) and "can" has no such a form.http://www.englishforums.com/English/StrongWeakFormsCompound-Verbs/jxblv/post.htm#821105Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:01:06 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:821105califjimCould you please define your terms? weak forms? = regular forms? or contracted forms? or ??? strong forms? = irregular forms? or non-contracted forms? or ??? compound verb? = like to underline (under + line)? or with auxiliary verbs? or with modal verbs? or ??? Thanks. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalsModalExpressions/jkjxl/post.htm#803708Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:43:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:803708califjimModal-like expressions (like have to ) follow the same grammar as other verbs. Modal verbs have their own grammar, for example, never taking an s in the present tense. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/Jb/jwkqc/post.htm#794171Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:14:13 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:794171alpheccastarsAnon: Is this a duplicate of your last post? Please don't post a question more than once. OK. Do you know what the modal verbs are? If you would please reply and post a list of them, we can help you with some sentences. It shouldn't take too long, and you might enjoy the exercise. All the best, A- shttp://www.englishforums.com/English/Jb/jwkqc/post.htmThu, 25 Jun 2009 01:07:29 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:794157anonymouswrite 2 sentences using the common modal verbs correctly?http://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseTheseSentecesAnswersExam/jhvxw/post.htm#788546Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:45:00 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:788546tanitIf you whant i can write my answers,but someone must to check it!! Hi, Please do so and post your choices. This way, I am pretty sure you'll receive feedback and help. P.S. " someone must to check it " is grammatically incorrect for two reasons: 1) " must to check " should be " must check " (modal verbs require bare infinitives, that is infinitives without "to"); 2) " it " should be " they ", as it refers to " answers " (which is plural). Besides, saying that someone must (= has the obligation to ) do something is not very polite.http://www.englishforums.com/English/IfWill/wqlxz/post.htm#751264Wed, 27 May 2009 19:05:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:751264califjimWith , it looks to non-native speakers who are still struggling with this particular aspect of English as though we can discuss it now That's understandable, because it can be confusing. The key here is that modal verbs like can and may and should apply to future time as much as to present time. So in the content of both clauses is in future time. The imperative-like first clause says Come down here , or, nearer in tone, Be so kind as to come down here. All imperatives are attempts to control the future actions of another, so the future marker will should be no surprise. By the way, I sometimes call this "bargaining will ". The second clause says what will be possible, i.e., what can be, once the imperative is obeyed ....http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/wpbdv/post.htmFri, 22 May 2009 09:34:21 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:742207khadimsubhpotoDear friends, My name is Khadim Hussain. I am new to Englishforums. I want to know the exact numbers of Modal verbs in English Language.http://www.englishforums.com/English/IfICouldHaveDoneIt/2/wnpbh/Post.htm#739527Wed, 20 May 2009 13:18:45 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:739527moivileIs this sentence grammatically correct? Не would have lent you the book last week if you could have called for it . No, it's not. YOU ARE WRONG. -- The modal verbs can and may can also be found in conditional sentences. If they occur in if-clauses referring to the present or future, they have the past form. e.g. If I could be a writer I should write detective stories. His bedroom is very cold. If I might move him into your study he would feel more cheerful there. In the principal clause we generally use the Conditional Mood. But as can and may are defective verbs and cannot be used in the Conditional Mood, the past tense of these verbs is used in combination with the simple infinitive to refer the action to the present or...http://www.englishforums.com/English/IfICouldHaveDoneIt/2/wnpbh/Post.htm#737208Tue, 19 May 2009 05:52:20 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:737208califjimCould in the main clause is probably a conditional mood, isn't it? Yes. But could in the following sentence is a subjunctive, isn't it? Не would l ent lend you the book if you could call for it . It's in a subjunctive context, but I hesitate to call it a subjunctive. I don't normally think of modal verbs as having subjunctives as they are basically "defective verbs". They don't really have any of the tenses and moods. They don't have any imperative, gerund, infinitive, or participle forms. But if it helps you to think of could as a 'subjunctive' in that context, then I suppose you can think of it that way because it occurs in the same position that a subjunctive might occur in. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/IsVsBe/wnhmv/post.htm#734341Sun, 17 May 2009 14:24:58 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:734341tanitHi, that's because some verbs and expressions require the subjunctive. Below is an excerpt from Swann's book (§567).* 1. What is the subjunctive? Some language have special forms called 'subjunctives', which are used especially to talk about 'unreal' situations: things that are possible, desirable or imaginary. Older English had subjunctives, but in modern English they have mostly been replaced by uses of should, would and other modal verbs, by special uses of past tenses, and by ordinary verb forms. English only has a few subjunctive forms left: third-person singular present verbs without -(e)s , (e.g. she see, he have ), and special forms of be (e.g. I be, he were ). Except for I/he/she/it were after...http://www.englishforums.com/English/DifferenceBetweenModalVerbs-Subjunctive/wmvwm/post.htm#728499Wed, 13 May 2009 17:29:05 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:728499kooyeenWhat’s the difference between modals and the English subjunctive? Modal verbs are often found in sentences with the subjunctive, but not always. Modal verbs can be used in A LOT of different ways and situations, so it depends. 1. “He should go”. = “It is necessary that he go”. Is the sentence with the modal a subjunctive? If not, what is it? I don't think that's a subjunctive, and I really don't know what it is, LOL. I just call it "suggestion-should": He should go => He'd better go => I suggest he go... What are the sentence moods of the above sentences? 1 = Imperative 2 & 3 = Indicative But that's just my opinion, I don't really know what to call all that grammar stuff.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheseModalVerbsAfterWordsFelt-Thought/wkqxl/post.htm#725872Mon, 11 May 2009 20:14:56 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:725872califjim1.Would the say this sentence illustrates the past use of the modal verb "shall"? He said she shouldn't talk to him. Not in modern English, no. There is no past of "shall" in modern English, though "should" is historically the past of "shall". If you see this written in a text of about 100 years ago or more, it well may be the past of "shall", but a present-day speaker would not take it that way. 2. What is the difference? I think I have seen no tense change happening in situations like this. He felt/thought he must be the person who did it. He felt/thought he must have been the person who did it. Yes, you probably have seen this pattern without a change of...http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheseModalVerbsAfterWordsFelt-Thought/wkqxl/post.htm#725547Mon, 11 May 2009 15:13:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:725547avangi1.Would the say this sentence illustrates the past use of the modal verb "shall"? He said she shouldn't talk to him. I would, but isn't it a bit old fashioned? I think most people would take it to mean she ought not to. 2. What is the difference? I think I have seen no tense change happening in situations like this. He felt/thought he must be the person who did it. He felt/thought he must have been the person who did it. In my opinion they describe the same situation. Perhaps the first one gives a greater sense of disconnect between the person and the act. That is, the act seems more remote.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheseModalVerbsAfterWordsFelt-Thought/wkqxl/post.htmSat, 09 May 2009 06:41:43 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:722171anonymousHi. 1.Would the say this sentence illustrates the past use of the modal verb "shall"? He said she shouldn't talk to him. 2. What is the difference? I think I have seen no tense change happening in situations like this. He felt/thought he must be the person who did it. He felt/thought he must have been the person who did it.http://www.englishforums.com/English/Conditionals/wgmmq/post.htm#702121Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:16:22 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:702121mrpedanticThat's a good point. I also overlooked in my previous answer the fact that modal verbs may in any case disguise the structure of a genuine conditional sentence: 1. If he invited me, I couldn't go anyway = 2. If he were to invite me, I couldn't go anyway. — which may well be the case here. (I appreciate from similar questions elsewhere that the structure in #1 may sound odd to some non-BrE ears.) MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalsHmmmm/wglhk/post.htmSat, 25 Apr 2009 13:51:29 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:700954blackblitz"EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English: would + can = could would + shall = should would + may = might The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms." I don't understand that. "If I have a test, I should be studying/study" I don't understand how "should" = shall + would. I see it as "should" by itself as an obligation. I understand that would/could have an implied "if". But why not "should"?http://www.englishforums.com/English/Would/wgkxq/post.htm#700859Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:58:51 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:700859califjimOther than conditionals, is would considered a past tense modal? "I know he would help me." What tense is the would? would is past in form ; it's historically the past of will . But it can be used in present-tense contexts, as shown in your sentence. would in itself is a modal verb, and it doesn't really have a tense. It combines with other verbs as if it were an auxiliary verb. So in your sentence, would help is the full verb, not just would . There is no official name for this tense, as far as I know, probably because it functions in several different ways, depending on context. Some people may call it simply one of the modal tenses. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/MayAndMight/wvbmv/post.htm#688619Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:51:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:688619rafaelinrioHi, The thing is, modal verbs express modality, and usually if you want to express modality in the past you have to use a model verb + perfecc form, thus you have: Gabriel, you should study for the test . (my teacher telling me to study a week before the test) Gabriel, you should have studied for the test . (my teacher talking to me after I took the test and failed it) In case you needed some help, you could call me . (Offering help to a friend) Man, you could have called me and I would have helped you . (After a situation) You might get fired if you continue coming in late for work. (warning a friend about a real situation) Dude, you might have gotten fired if you had continued coming in late for work . (talking about a probability...http://www.englishforums.com/English/CouldYouPleaseHelpMe/wcphr/post.htm#682480Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:26:08 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:682480califjimWelcome to English Forums! 'm suffering from misunderstanding these tenses when they are preceded by a modal verb. Your terminology is wrong. Tenses are not preceded by modal verbs. You have non-modal tenses , such as Present, Past, Present Perfect, etc. These do not contain any modal verbs, though they may contain auxiliaries like has, had, are, was , and so on. know, finds, saw, decided, has seen, are taken, was heard, had been done, ... And then you have modal tenses , which can be found in only two basic patterns: 1. the modal verb followed by a bare infinitive can do, should see, will find, would say, may know, ... 2. the modal verb followed by have (never has or had ) and a past participle could have done, may have seen,...http://www.englishforums.com/English/CeltaPreInterviewTask/wcxgz/post.htm#682162Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:41:09 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:682162yankeeWelcome to EnglishForums, Peroxwhygen . I've added some comments (in blue). 1. Write a sentence giving an example of each of the following tenses. a) Present Simple: I like sunny days. b) Present Continuous: He's learning Japanese. c) Present Perfect Simple: I've been to Australia. d) Present Perfect Continuous: He's been waiting for over two hours. e) Past Simple: He went to Paris last week. f) Past Perfect Simple: I'd just finished work. I would add more to this sentence since the past perfect is generally used to establish the chronological order of two past events . g) Past Perfect Continuous: He'd been waiting for over two hours when he finally arrived. h) Future Simple: I'll meet you at the train...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Would/wbrwp/post.htm#673362Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:05:59 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:673362califjimI just wonder if "would" is an auxiliary. Not exactly. It's a modal verb. That is, it is one of several verbs called "modals". will, would, can, could, shall, should, may, might, and must are the modals. They are always followed by the bare infinitive form of a verb. will do, would know, can see, could find, ... Thus, they can be followed by the bare infinitive have . should have, would have, may have, ... If followed by have , the next verb form can be a past participle. should have done, must have seen, will have been, might have thrown, ... CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/wrdrc/post.htm#669106Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:50:48 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:669106yankeeHi Rods Is 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.http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/wrdrc/post.htm#669097Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:35:03 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:669097califjimWelcome 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 . When used with model mod a l 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...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/wrdrc/post.htmTue, 10 Feb 2009 17:10:27 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:669037rodsAre 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?http://www.englishforums.com/English/Dialogs/2/hnpmp/Post.htm#659609Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:16:15 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:659609mister micawber. -- Have you got / Do you have a spare pen, Peter? -- Yeah! -- C'n I borrow it, please? -- Sure! Here . -- And a ruler? -- Here you are. -- You finished? -- Yeah. -- C'n I have them back, then? -- OK , there you are. -- Bless you ! -- Thanks -- Lemme use your ruler again, Peter. -- Of course . Here. --Thanks! -- Any time. -- Please don't do that! -- Let's go to the convenience store ! --I gotta go home... hm... but... OK, let's go! *** (2)(4)Gimme=give me, Lemme=let me; Is it good to say that.-- That is not something we should-- or can--choose to do. It is an artificial transcription of reduced pronunciation which results from the fast flow of native speech. My use of 'c'n' for 'can' is the...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Dialogs/2/hnpmp/Post.htm#658785Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:41:16 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:658785uni-hkThanks! Can you explain once more how to choose 'it', 'that', 'this', depending on an object, an event, time. With examples. Phrases 'I beg your pardon' & 'Pardon me' equal 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry'? Or they are good in both situations(to attract atention and to regret). Can, Could are modal verbs. Can I... Could I... are the same questions, right? And if I wanna say I was/wasn't able to do sth in past, may I say:"I could/couldn't do it?" Is that good? Won't it seem like I'll have say:"I can/can't do it".(can=could, I mean). What about 'I might not do it?' How does 'i.e' pronounce. Like ' eye  s ee ' or 's ee   d...http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalQuestionCouldPast/hxgmd/post.htm#655566Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:26:09 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:655566kooyeenWelcome to the world of modal verbs! The most confusing area after perfect tenses *sigh* Hi. I think I have heard people say plenty of times that the modal "could" is past of the modal "can." Yes, as a non-native speaker who has struggled with this sort of grammar for a long time, I would take it that way. I think you can use "could" every time you want to move "can" into the past, so I think of your example... I could read ten pages of a book yesterday. ...as the following sentence moved into the past: I can read ten pages of a book today. Also, it might correspond to this one in the past: I could read then pages of a book today. Whether it makes sense or not, that's what it means to me. If...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhenCouldWorkQuestionAnswer/hmxrv/post.htmMon, 19 Jan 2009 03:07:59 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:647653anonymousHi. I think Englishpage.com's tutorial on modal verbs noted the modal verb 'can' can denote possibility and impossibility but the application is limited to those that involve generalization or supposition. The sentences are made-up for a purpose of grammar exercise. Now, do you think we can write these? A: He can't be making that much money in sales. He is blind. B: You are wrong. His success shows that a blind person can succeed just like any normal sales person. A: He can't be making that much money in sales. He is blind. B: You're wrong again. Yes, he could .http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatDifferenceBetweenTheseSentences/hlpdv/post.htm#643206Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:23:34 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:643206mubrik88Mr. Grammar Geek Mr. puddlemuddle Thank you very much for all your help Do you mean that we use the infinitive after all modal verbs ? For example : He can play football. CAN is a modal verb PLAY is in the infinitive form Am I right ?http://www.englishforums.com/English/CouldHaveBeenDelayed/hlccw/post.htm#639397Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:38:59 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:639397califjimVerb phrases that begin with modal verbs don't fit neatly into the usual naming system for tenses. I would call it a "modal perfect" (passive voice). CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/CanAnyoneAnswerQuestions-Below/hkzbq/post.htmThu, 08 Jan 2009 22:03:30 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:635255craigr34Can anyone please try to answer the questions below A. Underline the verb or verbs and identify the tense/s Tina was sleeping when I entered the __ Jose watches television every night. __ The man had been studying English for two hours when his friend arrived.___________ I will tell you today. ___ ______ She had lived in New York for three years. ____ Freddy will have been studying for two hours by the time his friend gets home.____________ B. Circle the correct word. The man made illusions / allusions to his future plans. In the heat, people lie / lay down for a nap. The ships’ / ship’s mast was damaged in the storm. The personal / personnel in the office are always...http://www.englishforums.com/English/CanSomeoneAnswerQuestions-Below/hkzbp/post.htmThu, 08 Jan 2009 22:01:36 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:635254craigr34A. Underline the verb or verbs and identify the tense/s Tina was sleeping when I entered the __ Jose watches television every night. __ The man had been studying English for two hours when his friend arrived.___________ I will tell you today. ___ ______ She had lived in New York for three years. ____ Freddy will have been studying for two hours by the time his friend gets home.____________ B. Circle the correct word. The man made illusions / allusions to his future plans. In the heat, people lie / lay down for a nap. The ships’ / ship’s mast was damaged in the storm. The personal / personnel in the office are always friendly. The principal / principle of the school...http://www.englishforums.com/English/FinitenessOfModalVerbs/hjjnk/post.htmMon, 05 Jan 2009 21:06:06 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:631696chrisdI have it written in my notes, at different intervals, that all modal verbs are non-finite, and at another time that they are all finite. Which one is it? I thought they were all finite, only to be contradicted by my notes earlier today. Does anyone know? Thanks, Chris.http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/hwnjq/post.htm#627888Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:51:47 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:627888alpheccastars"Could be" is present tense, and does not fit the sentence, an event in the past. "could have been" is correct, but not one of the choices. "or so" is a phrase of uncertainty, so a modal verb in a past tense is correct. (A) and (C) are present tense. (B) is past tense, but not modal.http://www.englishforums.com/English/ModalVerbs/hwnjq/post.htmWed, 31 Dec 2008 16:47:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:627877xstephenx56.She __fifty or so when I first met her at the conference. A. must be B. had been C.could be D.must have been given one is D ,mine is C. why？ thxhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/PleaseQuickQuestionVerbs/hhrzg/post.htm#619376Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:37:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:619376califjimLiving there is frustrating. living there - subject - gerund -noun plus adverb is - linking verb frustrating - subject complement / predicate adjective / present participle frustrating is adjectival because you can add "very" -- an adverb of degree that can be used to modify adjectives. Living there is very frustrating. If frustrating were part of a verb phrase, you'd need an object. Living there is frustrating . Here's another: This problem has been frustrating the manager for days. Here the word frustrating expresses actively doing something to the object, not just describing how it is to live there (not just describing what the problem is like, in the second example). You can't have, for example, *Living...