MODAL VERBS
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs that behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like “work, play, visit…” They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions. They don’t use an ‘s’ for the third person singular. They make questions by inversion (‘she can go’ becomes ‘can she go?’). They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without ‘to’).
Here are the more common uses of modal verbs.
Modal | Example | Uses |
|---|---|---|
Can | They can control the students. We can’t see it. Can I stay here? Can you help me? | Ability / Possibility Inability / Impossibility Asking for permission Request |
Could | Could I borrow some money? Could you say it again more slowly? We could try to do it ourselves. I think Brazil could win the World Cup in 2014.He quit his job so he could travel the world. | Asking for permission. Request Suggestion Future possibilityAbility in the past |
May | May I have another cup of coffee, please? China may become a major economic power. | Asking for permission Future possibility |
Might | Let’s not call now, they might be having dinner. We might get a discount. | Present possibility Future possibility |
Must | We must say good-bye now. They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary. | Necessity / Obligation Prohibition |
Ought to | We ought to employ a professional writer. | Saying what’s right or correct |
Shall | Shall I help you with that? Shall we say half past two then? Shall I do that or will you? | Offer Suggestion Asking what to do |
Should | We should sort out this problem at once. I think we should check everything again. Profits should increase next year. | Saying what’s right or correct Recommending action Uncertain prediction |
Will | I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk. I’ll do that for you if you like. I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday. Profits will increase next year. | Instant decisions Offer Promise Certain prediction |
Would | Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me? Would you pass the salt, please? Would you mind waiting a moment? “Would three o’clock suit you?” – “That’d be fine.” Would you like to play golf this Friday?” Would you prefer tea or coffee?” – “I’d like tea please.” | Asking for permission Request Request Making arrangements Invitation Preferences |