Modal Verbs Continuous Form - English Grammar

show transcript

There are several types of modal verbs, which are followed by the simple form of verbs. Some English modal verbs can be put in front of the continuous form to express some present action that is or is not happening. To make the past tense for each, use have been instead of be.

Modal Verbs + Continuous Form

English modal can be used with the continuous form. As illustrated in the video the construction of modal verbs with continuous forms is as follows:
Modal verb + be + main verb(+ing)

Present Tense Continuous Examples

In the video the meaning and application of some of the different modal verbs with continuous forms is explained:

• could is the past tense of can and also expressed ability (e.g. I could be living in California, but I’m not.)
• should expressed that something is a good idea. It is also used for recommendations. It is not as strong as must. (e.g. We should be saving more money. I am not doing it now, but I should be doing it.)
• will is used for the future. (e.g. I will be working this weekend.)
• might also expresses possibility and is a good substitute for may. (e.g. I won’t call my brother because he might be eating dinner.)
• may expresses possibility and is also used when asking for permission (e.g. I may be going on a trip.) Do not confuse may be with the completely different word maybe.
• must expresses a strong possibility in the present. (e.g. They must be having fun at the party.)

Past Tense Continuous Examples

To make the past tense use have been after the modal verb.

• I could have been living in California if I hadn’t chosen to live in Minnesota.
• I should have been saving more money when I was younger.
• I would have been better in the test if I had studied harder.
• He might have been eating too much.
• She may have been going out.
• They must have been having a lot of fun at the party.

further exercises:

• Modal Verbs Basics
• Modal Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs