The short forms of modal verbs
Reminder: modal verbs (must, can, would, etc.) are used before the infinitive form of another verb to express ideas like possibility, obligation, permission, etc.
You must remember this!
Can I have some sugar, please?
Most of these verbs have short forms:
- in the negative form:
| Negative long form | Negative short form | |
|---|---|---|
| can | cannot | can't |
| could | could not | couldn't |
| must | must not | mustn't |
| need | need not | needn't |
| would | would not | wouldn't |
| should | should not | shouldn't |
We cannot go there → we can't go there.
You should not smoke → You shouldn't smoke.
- Would also has an affirmative short form: ’d.
I would like to have a coffee → I'd like to have a coffee
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