Learn Something Every Day

This fun site called Learn Something Every Day publishes a flashcard with some text and nice drawings. Check it out. It is a fun and easy way to learn vocabulary and as they say, learn something new every day.

http://www.learnsomethingeveryday.co.uk/#

Understanding modal verbs

Understanding modal verbs is not an easy task. On the one hand, there is an easy part to learn. Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive without "to", except for ought to. Modal verbs do not change; they are the same for all persons. They require no -s, -ing or -ed form.

However, modal verbs pose a challenge for students. It is not their form which is difficult but their meanings. We can use modal verbs to express probability, certainty, willingness, deduction. Modal verbs refer to the present or the future (except for could, would) but when followed by a perfect infinitive (have + past participle), they refer to the past.

As teacher we try to simplify a very complex system. One of the reason for its complexity is that modal verbs have at least 2 meanings. Take a look at the following chart:

http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/verbmodal.htm




In order to improve your use of modal verbs, click the link below and you will find a modal verb tutorial
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/modalintro.html