Les 9 Verbes Modaux en Anglais

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Tableau des 9 verbes modaux

ModalSens principalNegatifExemple affirmatifExemple negatif
CANCapacite / Permission informellecan't / cannotI can swim.I can't swim.
COULDCapacite passee / Politessecouldn'tCould you help me?I couldn't attend.
MAYPermission formelle / Possibilite 50%may notMay I come in?It may not rain.
MIGHTPossibilite faible 30%might notIt might be true.She might not come.
MUSTObligation forte (interne)must not / mustn'tYou must wear a helmet.You mustn't park here.
SHALLFutur formel / Proposition (I/we)shan't / shall notShall we dance?We shall not fail.
SHOULDConseil / Recommandationshouldn'tYou should study.You shouldn't smoke.
WILLFutur certain / Decision spontaneewon't / will notI will call you.I won't be late.
WOULDConditionnel / Politessewouldn'tI would like coffee.I wouldn't do that.

Regles essentielles

#RegleExemple
1Invariable : pas de -s a la 3e personneShe can (pas cans) speak.
2Suivi du verbe base sans "to"You must go (pas must to go).
3Deux modaux ne peuvent pas se combinerUtiliser : be able to, be allowed to
4Passe : modal + have + participe passeI should have called.
5Mustn't = interdiction / Don't have to = pas obligatoireSens oppose !

Echelle de probabilite

ModalProbabiliteExemple
might~30%It might rain.
may~50%It may rain.
could~60%It could rain.
should~80%It should rain (meteo).
must / will~95%It will rain / He must be tired.