Modals

• Modal Verbs/Modal Auxiliary - A verb that indicates modality. These are verbs that express actions done by someone which show permission, possibility, request, advice, command, obligation, and ability.
• Modal Verbs/Modal Auxiliary - Used on a day-to-day basis. Words used to provide future, past, or present instances.
• Types of Modals (WWCCMMMSO):

  • Will
  • Would
  • Can
  • Could
  • May
  • Might
  • Must
  • Should
  • Ought to
• Will - Used for a wish, prediction, demand, order, promise, request, and assumption.
• Identify the modality of the sentence: Will you please give me a gift?

  Wish
• Identify the modality of the sentence: Will it rain today?

  Prediction
• Identify the modality of the sentence: Will you do your homework?

  Order
• Identify the modality of the sentence: Will you please participate?

  Request
• Identify the modality of the sentence: Will you promise me one thing?

  Promise
• Would - Shows wish and request but in a polite way
• Can - Shows permission, possibility, and ability.
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • I can speak English and Spanish. (ability)
  • It can rain today. (possibility)
  • Can I go to the bathroom? (permission)
• Could - Shows suggestion, request, permission, future possibility, and ability in the past.
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • We could go for a walk (Suggestion)
  • Could you open the window (Request)
  • Could I leave early (Permission)
  • It could snow during the night (Future Possibility)
  • Jimin gave up so much so he could study (Ability in the Past)
• May - Ask permission and show future possibility
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • Students may borrow correction tapes (Permission)
  • Ciarra and I may go to the same university (Future Possibility)
• Might - Shows present and future possibility
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • Suga might be sleeping, let's not disturb him (Present Possibility)
  • I have a coupon of jeans that might offer a 50% discount (Future Possibility)
• Must - Shows necessity, obligation, and prohibition. It is a strong modal
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • We must leave now (Necessity)
  • Seat belts must be worn at all times (Obligation)
  • Guests must not smoke in their hotel room (Prohibition)
• Should - Shows advice and obligation
• Identify the modality of the sentences:

  • You should walk carefully since it is raining cats and dogs (Advice)
  • You should always close the faucet (Obligation)
• Ought to - Higher degree of obligation
• Permission Modals (CCM):

  • Can
  • Could
  • May
• Obligation Modals (MSO):

  • Must
  • Should
  • Ought To
• Prohibition (CMSCS):

  • Cannot
  • Must not
  • Should not
  • Could not
  • Shall not
• Regular Verbs - one that forms its simple past tense and its past participle by adding "-ed" or "-d" to the base form of the verb AND by adding "-es" or "-s" to its simple present tense.