Modals
Category : 9th Class
Modals
Introduction: All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike other auxiliary verbs, modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the main verb in a sentence.
The modal verbs are: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Ought to, Will, Would
Uses of Modal Verbs
| Model | Example | Use |
| Can |
They can control own budgets. We can't fix it can I smoke here? Can you help me? |
Ability/possibility /inability /impossibility asking for permission request |
| Could |
Could I borrow your dictionary? Could you say it again more slowly? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could have another gulf war. He gave up his old job so he could work for us |
Asking for permission Request Suggestion Future possibility Ability in the past |
| May |
May I have another cup of coffee? China may become a major economic power |
Asking for permission Future possibility |
| Might |
We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now They might give us a 10% 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 your luggage? Shall we say 2.30 then? Shall I do that or will you? |
Offer Suggestion Asking what to do |
| Should |
We should short out this problem at once. I think we should check every thing 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'// walk. I' // do that for you if you like. I'// 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 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 |
Modals express the mood a verb, such as ability, possibility, necessity, or another condition. They are used with a main verb to form a sentence or a question. Models are not conjugated, have no tense, and cannot be used without a main verb.
When used with modal verbs (except ought), main verbs always remain in the Infinitive with out to.
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