ENGLISH MODALS

• Modals


  Auxiliary verbs / helping verbs that indicate the mode or manner of the actions
• When used alone, modals do not give complete meanings
• Modals change the meaning of the verb when paired with other verbs
• Nature of Modals


  • Use the base form of the word with the modal
  • Modals do not change form
  • Modals never end in "s" even in the third person singular
  • Combine the base form of the verb with the modals
  • Use "not" to make modal verbs negative
  • Modals are used to form questions
  • Do not use double modals
• Functions of modals


  • Express ability
  • Express possibility
  • Express probability
  • Express permission
  • Express obligation
  • Express prohibition
• Modals of Permission


  Indicate that something is allowed and can be done, showing politeness and respect
• Modals of Permission

  • May
  • Could
  • Can
• MAY


  Most formal and polite modal verb to ask for permission
• MAY


  • May I speak to Chris, please?
  • You may join them as soon as you finish your tasks
• COULD


  More polite form than "can"
• COULD


  • Could we go home now?
  • Could you lend me the laptop?
  • When I was five, I could easily ride a bike
  • Before the COVID-19 scare, we could gather everywhere in the streets
• CAN


  Less formal and more direct than "could"
• CAN

  • Can you ask him?
  • Can you do me a favor?
• Modals of Obligation


  Must, have to, should, ought to
• Types of Modals of Obligation

  • Firm obligation or necessity (must, have to)
  • Recommendation or moral obligation (should, ought to)
• MUST


  Obligation comes from the speaker
• MUST

  • We must pay our taxes to contribute to the country's economy
  • I must wear face masks especially in crowded places
• HAVE TO


  Obligation comes from someone else, not the speaker
• HAVE TO


  • We have to be at the school two hours before the program starts
  • You have to do all the tasks
• SHOULD/OUGHT TO

  Talk about the right thing to do
• SHOULD/OUGHT TO


  • Children should know how to respect older people
  • Ms. Cruz ought to assist the volunteers in the outreach program
• Modals of Prohibition


  Indicate situations that are against the rules
• Modals of Prohibition

  • Cannot / can't
  • Must not / mustn't
• CAN'T


  Idea of something that is against the rules
• CAN'T


  • She can't enter the school because she has no ID
  • Marco can't drive the car unless he has a driver's license
• MUSTN'T


  Indicates a rule set by the speaker
• MUSTN'T

  • You mustn't insult your brother
  • You mustn't be late to class next time