Modal verbs are verbs which modify another verb, and imply the
possibility or probability of something happening. Modal verbs
are words like can, will, could, must, would, might and should.
After a modal verb, the root form of the word is generally used.
The infinitive is not used after a modal verb. We would to study
more of Shakespeare’s works if we had the books. We would study
more of Shakespeare’s works if we had the books. Exception: The
phrase ought to is considered a modal verb. In this case, the to
belongs with the ought, and is not considered part of the
infinitive. Pet owners ought to vaccinate all their outdoor
pets. Pet owners ought not let their unvaccinated pets out of
doors. Pet owners ought not to let their unvaccinated pets out
of doors. Modal verbs are always written in the root form, and
do not require special endings to identify tense or person. The
president oughted to have approved larger holiday bonuses last
year. The president ought to have approved larger holiday
bonuses last year. W