(Hi, here’s our question today) привет, сегодня разберем вопрос: (what are modals) что такое модальные глаголы? 

This is an important question because of understanding the use of modals can multiply your capability of expression. Modals are auxiliary words that provide additional and specific meaning to the main verb of the sentence.

The use of modals is quite simple.

You need to place a modal between the subject and verb: Must keep the main verb in its base one.

For example, Mary could play the piano at school on Wednesdays.

There are some basic principles / that you may want to take into account. First, modals are not verbs. This means that they do not accept conjugations / and they do not need other auxiliaries as well. [see screen and listen] Another principle is modals carry complementary verbal meaning. [see screen and listen]

l        to take into account = consider . Current high exchange rate in won to dollar must be taken into account to make practical budget for the next fiscal year.

Question 2,

what modals do we have in English? We could split them in three main categories. [see screen and listen] Here you have a few examples of modals in each category. [see screen and listen] Now take a close look at “single concept modals”. [see screen and listen]  Here you have double concept of some other common modals. [see screen and listen]  Some modals are also used to express past ideas. Here you have a few examples. [see screen and listen]

l     You may not notice it first, but you can see the subtle change of her nose line if you take a very close look at her nose.  I think she did have a nose job during her three week vacation! Bur, she looks awesome…!!!

A last tip, there are a few verbs which are often used as modals too. They need to be conjugated, but they serve as helpers of main verb and sentence. [see screen and listen] These are the sample of “modal-like verbs.” [see screen and listen]

That’s all for today. See you next time!