VERBS – MODALS

1.   After all modals use the simple form of the verb (V) . The following a list of modals:

            Can,  could, must, may, should, will, might, would, shall

            They can walk five miles without getting tired.

            They could walk five miles without getting tired.

2.   Use the past participle after the modal + have.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith might have enjoyed the party.

He should have sent in his application earlier.

He should not have eaten such a big dinner.

3.   When you change direct speech to indirect speech, could would, should, and might do  

 not change form.

DIRECT                                                                           

“You should always do your homework.”  
“I might ask her out.” 

 INDIRECTThe teacher said that I should always do my homework.    

He said that he might ask her out.           

4.   Use must have + past participle for past conclusion only.

The ground is wet; it must have rained. (conclusion)

5.  Use had + infinitive for past obligation.

I had to go to the dentist yesterday. (obligation)

ERROR EXAMPLES

1. WRONG : Beth must to take the bus yesterday because her car was being repaired.

RIGHT    : Beth had to take the bus yesterday because her car was being repaired.

2. WRONG : We must to water our plants regularly.

RIGHT    : We must water our plants regularly.

3. WRONG : They could walked to school because it was close.

RIGHT    : They could walk to school because it was close.

4. WRONG : The show will have begin by the time we arrive.

RIGHT    : The show will have begun by the time we arrive.

5. WRONG : John said that he might have gone to Harvard next year.

RIGHT    : John said that he might go to Harvard next year.

EXERCISE 3 : Put  “C” if the sentence is correct. Put “X” if there is an error in the modals.

 ____ 1. My brother has to walk ten miles to buy some gas last weekend.

_____2. There is no one outside the theater, the performance must have been cancelled.

_____3. They must to sign up for that class by this Friday.

_____4. We would have went to Florida, but it was having an unusual cold spell.

_____5.  Mrs. John told me that she might have baked a cake for my birthday tomorrow if she has time.

_____6.  Susan said she might leave before dinner.

_____7.  They might go to the store a few minutes ago

_____8.  When my baby got very ill, I must have called the doctor immediately.

_____9.  The boys should not had made so much noise.

____10.  I will be very happy when I graduate this year.