BASIC MODALS
Modal auxiliary verbs are used to moderate the main verb, that is, to
enhance or restrict the verb to a certain context.
The most common modal auxiliaries in English are:
can may might must
could should will would
Notice the usage of modals in the following sentences:
I pay my taxes. General declaration of fact. Paying taxes is
something I normally do.
I can pay my Expresses ability. I have the means (funds) to pay.
taxes.
I might pay my Expresses possibility, but not certainty. Maybe I will
taxes. pay; maybe I won't.
I will pay my Expresses future intent. I resolve to do it at some
taxes. later time.
I should pay Expresses mild obligation. It is required, and I
my taxes. expect to comply.
I could pay my Expresses possibility. If I have nothing else to do
taxes. with the money, I might pay taxes.
I would pay my (In this case), expresses reservation. If I had the
taxes. money (but I don't). . .
I must pay my Expresses strong obligation. I am required and have
taxes. to comply.
Modals are followed by only the base form of the verb and are not
used alone unless there is a clear connection to a main verb.
He must to finish his homework. WRONG
RIGHT
He must finish his homework.
WRONG
Jack could heard the bell.
RIGHT
Jack could hear the bell.
Penny will going to the movie. WRONG
Penny will go to the movie. RIGHT
There are many ways to make requests in English. The most
common involves using the imperative and modals. See the
examples below:
Using the Imperative
The imperative is the simple form of the verb. The
subject of an imperative sentence is understood as "you" although it
is usually not spoken.
Open the door. (You) open the door.
Will you help me? Yes, I will (help you).
Pick up your toys. (You) pick up your toys.
Please help me. (You) please help me.
The imperative is often used by persons of authority when speaking
to subordinates, e.g. parent to child.
Using Modals
To show respect and politeness, most people use modal
expressions when making requests. For example:
Will you...? Will you open the door for me?
Would you...? Would you open the door for me?
Would you please...? Would you please open the door (for me)?
Could you (please)...? Could you (please)...? Could you (please)
Could you possibly...? open the door?
Would you kindly...? Could you possibly open the door?
Would you mind Would you kindly open the door?
(Ving )...? Would you mind opening the door?
Would you be so kind Would you be so kind as to open the door?
as to...?
Common Problems with Modals
1. Using "to" unnecessarily:
Incorrect Correct
They going to meet us at the They are going to meet us at the
theater. theater.
He should to eat his dinner. He should eat his dinner.
I had better to go now. I had better go now.
You must not to use that pencil. You must not use that pencil.
2. Using anything but the base form after a modal:
John could heard the bell. John could hear the bell.
Penny will going to the movie. Penny will go to the movie.
3. Using double modals:
You should ought to speak You ought to speak English. /should
English. speak
She might can help me. She might be able to help me.
4. Omitting "be" in certain modal expressions:
They going to meet us at the They are going to meet us at the
theater. theater.
Jack supposed to take his Jack is supposed to take his
medicine. medicine.
5. Using wrong word order in questions:
How I can help you? How can I help you?
Where I should go for the Where should I go for the
meeting? meeting?
What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from
normal verbs. Here are some important differences:
1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.
Examples:
He can speak Chinese.
She should be here by 9:00.
2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple
Present and Simple Past.
Examples:
He should not be late.
They might not come to the party.
3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future
tenses.
Examples:
He will can go with us. Not Correct
She musted study very hard. Not Correct