Modal auxiliary verbs

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Verbs which help other verbs to express a meaning

Modal verbs have no meaning by themselves The verbs can, could, will, would, should,

may, might, must, ought and shall are modal auxiliary verbs

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There are several modal verbs which have varying functions

e.g. the verb, would – this verb can be used to verbs express ideas about the past, present and the future

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Modal verbs are never used with other auxiliary verbs

e.g.do, does, did Modal verbs never change form e.g. an “s” or “ed” is not added to a

modal verb Never followed by to, EXCEPT in “ought to”

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Ideas of possibility, certainty, probability, doubt, certainty, permission and obligation

The above meanings are divided into two groups; Degrees of certainty: possibility, certainty, probability Obligation/Freedom to act: permission,ability and

obligation

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What are the functions, modal verbs help to express?

Shall is a form of will used mostly in the first person (when making offers)

e.g. Shall I fetch you another glass of wine? When making suggestions e.g. Shall we go the cinema tonight?

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Will Making personal predictions e.g. I don’t think he will attend the party Talking about the present with certainty e.g. I’m sure he will understand if you

explain it to him. Talking about the past with certainty e.g. I’m sure you will have understood the

situation well.

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Will…

Reassuring someone e.g. Don’t worry! You will be alright by

tomorrow. Making a decision e.g. I feel sleepy. I think I’ll stay at home

wihtout attending party.

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Will… Offering to do something e.g. I’ll arrange the passes for you. Making a semi-formal request e.g. Will you pass the dish, please? Making a promise e.g. I’ll be there at the restaurant at 7.00

p.m.

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May & Might

Have almost the same meaning May – more sure – 50% chance Might -30% chance e.g. She may visit us tomorrow. May – talking about the present or

future with uncertainty e.g. She may return home at 7.00 p.m.

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Might…

Talking about the past with uncertainty e.g. I’m surprised they didn’t win. They

might have not played well. Something was possible, yet it didn’t

happen e.g. You heard me speaking! You might have

spoken to me.

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Can & Could

Making requestse.g. Can you send me a mail today? Could you send me a mail today? (more polite)

Asking permissione.g. Can I ask you for a favor?Could I ask you for a favor? (more polite)

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Choice and opportunitiese.g. If you want free tickets for the concert, you can come to the airport.

General possibilitye.g. You can vote when you are 18.

Reported speechCould is used as the past of can.

e.g. He asked me if I could help him.Arundathie Abeysinghe 13

Talking about abilitye.g. Can you drive?

Present possibilitye.g. I think he could be right . I am sure everybody will disagree.(NOT can)

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Past possibilitye.g. If I'd known that the flight had been delayed, I could have gone to the airport a few hours later.

Future probabilityCould often indicates something less definite e.g. When I complete my Bachelors Degree, I could get a good job.

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Would As the past of will (in Indirect Speech)

e.g.“My sister’s wedding will be in two month’s time”.(Direct Speech)She said her sister’s wedding would be in two month’s time. (Indirect Speech)

Polite requests and offers e.g. Would you like another cup of coffee?.

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In conditionals, to indicate 'distance from reality': e.g. If I had a lot of money, I would give it on charity.Talking about past habits e.g. When we were small, we would go to the beach everyday.

Future in the past e.g. Her book would be a bestseller.

To show regret or irritation over someone or something

e.g. I wish he wouldn’t bother me with more mails.

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Strong advice and invitationsI think you must study hard.You must visit me when you come to Michigan.

Saying you think something is certainThis must be her house, I am sure.Necessity and obligation (personal obligation)

I must attend the party tonight.

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Giving advice I think you should go to Boston during the weekend

and see your parents. Obligation The university should provide more library facilities. Ought to Has almost the same meaning as should

I thin you ought to (should) attend classes..

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Giving adviceI think you should go to Boston during the weekend and see your parents.ObligationThe university should provide more library facilities.

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Thank you!

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