MODALS

Modals or modal verbs are a special kind of auxiliary verbs. They are
always used with a main verb. Modal verbs express an attitude to what we say.
They can express how certain or uncertain we are about an event, or how willing
or unwilling we are to do something.

Characteristics of modal verbs

1. Modal verbs are always followed by a verb in its base form.

Examples

He can speak Chinese.

You may take the book to school.

2. Modal verbs do not take “-s” in the third person in the present simple
tense.

Examples:

He speaks Chinese.
He can speak Chinese. (NOT – He cans speak…)

She eats a sandwich at 9:30.

She may eat a sandwich at 9:30.

3. Modal verbs never change their form.

You can’t add “s”, “ed”, “ing”

Modal Verbs

Shall Should Can

Will Would Could
May Might Must
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:

1. Permission
2. Possibility
3. Ability
4. Obligation
5. Lack of necessity
6. Advice
Modal “CAN”

We use this modal t express:

-ability
- Permission
- request

Examples:

1. He can speak English.

2. Can I open the window?

Modal “MAY”

We use this modal t express:

-future possibility
- get permission

Examples:

1. It may rain today.

2. May I use your phone please?
3. She may be at home.

Modal “MIGHT”
The possibility of the event is greatly reduced when might is used.

Examples:

1. It might rain today.

2. She might be at home.

Modal “MUST”

We use this modal to express

- Necessity
- High possibility

Examples:

1. I must call my parents

2. She must be at home.

Modal “SHALL”
Function of shall:

1. It states obligation
2. Suggestion
3. Future action

Examples:

1. The college students shall pay their tuition fees.

2. Shall we begin?
3. You shall not kill.

Modal “WILL”

The functions of the modal “will” are the following:

1. State the future action

2. Promise
3. To ask polite question
4. Voluntary action
5. Prediction

Examples:

1. She will leave tomorrow at 6 a.m.

2. I will call you at 7 p.m.
3. Will you help me with these things?
4. I will cook for dinner.
5. The summer will be very hot this year.

Modal “WOULD”

This modal is used to

- Indicate repeated actin in the past

- Indicate future time in the sentence that is action in the past.

Examples:

1. When I lived in Manila, I would go to mall every day.

2. Mark promised that he would help me with my Math homework.

Modal “SHOULD”

We use this modal to express:

 1. Advice
2. Obligation
3. Expectation

Examples

1. You should try the new restaurant downtown.

2. I should renew my driver’s license.
3. You should receive my letter in two days.

Modal “COULD”

We use this modal to express:

1. Past ability
2. Polite permission
3. Suggestion/option

Examples:

1. I could speak English.

2. Could I go to the cinema, please?
3. I could lend you my car until tomorrow.