BASIC ENGLISH MODALS
MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS are used to moderate the main verb, enhancing or restricting the verb to a certain context.
The most common MODAL AUXILIARIES in English are:
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can |
may |
might |
must |
NOTICE how MODALS are used in the following sentences:
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I pay my taxes. |
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General declaration of fact. Paying taxes is something I normally do. |
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I can pay my taxes. |
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Expresses ability. I have the means (funds) to pay. |
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I might pay my taxes. |
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Expresses possibility, but not certainty. Maybe I will pay; maybe I won't. |
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I will pay my taxes. |
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Expresses future intent. I resolve to do it at some later time. |
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I should pay my taxes. |
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Expresses mild obligation. It is required, and I expect to comply. |
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I could pay my taxes. |
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Expresses possibility. If I have nothing else to do with the money, I might pay taxes. |
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I would pay my taxes. |
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(In this case), expresses reservation. If I had the money (but I don't). . . |
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I must pay my taxes. |
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Expresses strong obligation. I am required and have to comply.
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MODALS are
followed by only the base form of
the verb and are not used alone
unless there is a clear connection to the main verb. 
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He must to finish his homework. WRONG He must finish his homework. CORRECT Jack could heard the bell. WRONG Jack could hear the bell. CORRECT Penny will going to the movie. WRONG Penny will go to the movie. CORRECT
The English language has many ways of making requests. The most common involves using the IMPERATIVE and MODALS. See the examples below:
Using the IMPERATIVE: The IMPERATIVE is the most simple form of the verb. When used, the subject of an IMPERATIVE SENTENCE is understood to be "you", although it is not usually spoken.
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Open the door. Will you help me? Yes, I will. Pick up your toys. Please help me. |
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(You) open the door. You help me. Yes, I will (help you). (You) pick up your toys. (You) please help me. |
The IMPERATIVE is often used by persons in authority when speaking to subordinates, e.g. a parent to a child.
Using MODALS:
To show respect and politeness, most people use modal expressions when making requests.
For example:
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Will you...? Would you...? Would you please...? Could you (please)...? Could you possibly...? Would you kindly...? Would you mind...? Would you be so kind as to...? |
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Will you open the door for me? Would you open the door for me? Would you please open the door for me? Could you (please) open the door? Could you possibly open the door? Would you kindly open the door? Would you mind opening the door? Would you be so kind as to open the door? |
Common Problems With MODALS:
1. Using "to" unnecessarily -
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Incorrect They going to meet us at the theatre. He should to eat his dinner. I had better to go now. You must not to use that pencil. |
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Correct They are going to meet us at the theatre. He should eat his dinner. I had better go now. You must not use that pencil. |
2. Using anything other than the base form after a MODAL -
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John could heard the bell. Penny will going to the movie. |
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John could hear the bell. Penny will go to the movie. |
3. Using 'Double' MODALS -
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You should ought to speak English. She might can help me. |
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You ought to speak/should speak English. She might be able to help me. |
4. Omitting "be" in certain MODAL expressions -
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They going to meet us at the theatre. Jack supposed to take his medicine. |
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They are going to meet us at the theatre. Jack is supposed to take his medicine. |
5. Using the wrong word order in questions -
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How I can help you? Where I should go for the meeting? |
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How can I help you? Where should I go for the meeting? |
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SCG LANGUAGE TUTORIALS for English grammar and vocabulary tutorials and analysis of UCAS applications and other documents, for students of English as a second language [ESL] and other British qualifications.
