MODAL VERBS

Introduction

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that, unlike the auxiliary verbs “be”, “do” y “have”, cannot function as principal verbs.Modal verbs express modality. They can express ability, possibility, necessity, probability, obligation or other conditions. 

As complementary verbs, modal verbs cannot function without other verbs. The principal verb is always found after the modal verb and in the base form. Modal verbs are not conjugated and have no tenses.

The modal verbs are:

   ♦ can

   ♦ could

   ♦ may

   ♦ might

   ♦ will

   ♦ shall

   ♦ should

   ♦ ought to

   ♦ must/have to

   ♦ would

Task

can could may might will
would must shall should ought to

Modals are different from normal verbs:

1 They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.
2 They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?').
3 They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to').

Probability:

First, they can be used when we want to say how sure we are that something happened / is happening / will happen. We often call these 'modals of deduction' or 'speculation' or 'certainty' or 'probability'.
For example:

  • It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.
  • I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
  • This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!

Ability

We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability.
For example:

  • She can speak six languages.
  • My grandfather could play golf very well.
  • I can't drive.

Obligation and Advice

We can use verbs such as 'must' or 'should' to say when something is necessary or unnecessary, or to give advice.
For example:

  • Children must do their homework.
  • We have to wear a uniform at work.
  • You should stop smoking.

We can use verbs such as 'can', 'could' and 'may' to ask for and give permission. We also use modal verbs to say something is not allowed.
For example:

  • Could I leave early today, please?
  • You may not use the car tonight.
  • Can we swim in the lake?

Habits

We can use 'will' and 'would' to talk about habits or things we usually do, or did in the past. 
For example:

  • When I lived in Italy, we would often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.
  • John will always be late!

Process

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. ___ you help me? 

  1. Can
  2.  Might 
  3.  Should 
  4.  Would 

2. You ___ not drink and drive. 

  1.  may 
  2.  might 
  3.  would 
  4.  must 

3. ___ you always be late? 

  1.  May 
  2.  Might 
  3.  Would 
  4.  Must 

4. I ___ like to go to New York someday. 

  1.  may 
  2.  will 
  3.  should 
  4.  would 

5. They ___ to work less. 

  1.  may 
  2.  ought 
  3.  should 
  4.  must 

6. ___ you help me move? 

  1.  Might 
  2.  Will 
  3.  Ought to 
  4.  Should 

Conclusion

The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their most common meanings:

Modal Meaning Example
can to express ability I can speak a little Russian.
can to request permission Can I open the window?
may to express possibility I may be home late.
may to request permission May I sit down, please?
must to express obligation I must go now.
must to express strong belief She must be over 90 years old.
should to give advice You should stop smoking.
would to request or offer Would you like a cup of tea?
would in if-sentences If I were you, I wouldsay sorry.

Credits

By: Yina De Voz Hernandez