Modal Verb ‘Can’
The Modal Verb can has two forms: can for the Present Tens and could for the Past Tense; The expression to be able which has the same meaning can be used to supply the missing forms of the verb can. “I can’t explain it,” said Therese. “I can’t explain anything I did today.” (Heym) He jumped as high as ever he could. (Galsworthy) How weakened she was I had not been able to imagine until I saw her at the railway station in Chinkiatig. (Buck) Can expresses ability or capability, possibility, incredulity or doubt, astonishment. Modal Verb [...]
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are used to show the speaker’s attitude toward the action or state indicated by the infinitive, i. e. they show that the action indicated by the infinitive is considered as possible, impossible, probable, improbable, obligatory, necessary, advisable, doubtful or uncertain, etc. The modal verbs are: can (could), may (might), must, should & ought, shall, will, would, need, dare, to be + Infinitive, have+ Infinitive. Modal verbs are called defective because all of them (except dare and need) lack verbals and analytical forms (i. e. compound tenses, analytical forms of the Subjunctive Mood, the Passive Voice). Besides they [...]