Modal Auxiliaries

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🔧 What are Modal Auxiliaries?

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Modal auxiliaries are helper words that show your attitude toward the action.

Our modals: can and will

They show:

1. I won’t do it (unwillingness)
2. I can’t do it (inability)
3. I can do it (ability)
4. I will do it (determination)

📝 Structure of Modal Auxiliaries

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Formula: Subject + MODAL + main verb (base form)

Important: No TO after modals!

AFFIRMATIVE

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• I can speak English
• He can wim
• She will succeed
• I will get there

NEGATIVE

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• I can’t do it (can + not = can’t)
• He won’t give up (will + not = won’t)

INTERROGATIVE

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• Can you help me? (Est-ce que tu peux m’aider?)
• Will you help me? (Est-ce que tu veux bien m’aider?)

🎯 Key Points to Remember

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1. Structure: Modal + base verb (no TO!)
2. Negative: Modal + not (often contracted: can’t, won’t)
3. Questions: Modal comes first (Can you…? Will he…?)

⚠️ Important Warning!

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WANT and TRY are NOT modal auxiliaries!

• I want TO do it

• I try TO do it

Also remember: Modals never add -s for third person!

• ✅ He can do it
• ✅ She will succeed

Remember: Modals work without TO and without -s!