English lesson

Modal Auxiliaries

Definitions and Functions
  • Modal Auxiliaries are helper verbs that modify the main verb in a sentence,
    expressing necessity, possibility, permission, or ability.
Primary Modal Auxiliaries and Their Usage

  • Will (Futuro): Used to express future actions.

    • Example:
    • I will speak (Eu falarei).
    • Key Point: When using the auxiliary, the main verb is not conjugated.
    • Examples:
      • I will speak
      • You will speak
      • They will speak

  • Would (Futuro do Pretérito): Indicates a future action depending on a condition.

    • Example:
    • I would speak (Eu falaria).
    • Key Point: Same conjugation rule applies.
    • Examples:
      • I would speak
      • You would speak
      • They would speak

  • Can (Poder): Indicates ability or permission in present tense.

    • Example:
    • I can speak (Eu posso falar).
    • Key Point:
    • Always followed by a base form of the main verb.

  • Could (Poderia): Indicates ability or permission in the past or a polite request.

    • Similar to "can" but in past or hypothetical sense.
    • Example:
    • I could speak (Eu poderia falar).

  • Shall (Haver): Expresses a formal future action, rarely used.

    • Example:
    • I shall speak (Eu hei de falar).

  • Should (Deveria): Indicates advice or recommendation.

    • Example:
    • I should speak (Eu deveria falar).

  • May (Devo): Indicates permission or probability in a formal context.

    • Example:
    • I may speak (Eu devo falar).

  • Might (Talvez): Indicates possibility or probability, less definite than "may".

    • Example:
    • I might speak (Eu talvez fale).
Key Points to Remember
  • The auxiliary verbs do not require the main verb to be conjugated.
  • Modal auxiliaries are crucial in constructing future, conditional, and hypothetical sentences.
Examples and Summaries

  • Using Will and Shall:

    • Will is used commonly for future actions (e.g., "I will go").
    • Shall has a more formal tone and is less frequent in casual speech (e.g., "I shall return").

  • Using Can and Could:

    • Can for present capability/permissibility (e.g., "She can swim").
    • Could for past ability or polite requests (e.g., "Could you help me?").

  • Using May and Might:

    • May indicates a more formal permission (e.g., "You may enter").
    • Might suggests a possible future (e.g., "It might rain").
Exercises

  1. Choose the correct modal auxiliary for each sentence.

    • Dennis ___ go there today? (can/could)
    • Brazil ___ invest more in education. (should/may)
    • This ___ be done by two people. (can/must)
    • We ___ go with them. (should/could)

  2. Fill in the blanks with the correct auxiliary verbs.

    • I would like to know them. (would)
    • She might wear a mask. (might)
    • Could you help me? (could)
    • You should come home today. (should)
Vocabulary
  • Speak (Falar)
  • Open (Abrir)
  • People (Pessoas)
  • Of course (Claro)
  • Go (Ir)
  • Today (Hoje)
  • Done (Feito)
  • Education (Educação)
  • Door (Porta)
  • Yesterday (Ontem)
  • Call (Ligar)