Using Auxiliary and Modal verbs
may, could, must, can’t
Meaning of Modal Auxiliary verbs
They are added before the infinitive of other verbs to give meanings connected to:
- – certainty – to say if something is possible, probable, certain or not
- He may catch the 5 o’clock train.
- She could be in Berlin or Hamburg, I’m not sure.
- – obligation or prohibition to do things
- Participants must register at reception before entering the conference.
- You can’t go in that room, it’s only for teachers.
- – permission or freedom to do things
- You can stay as long as you want.
- You may do what you want until the teacher arrives.