Here it is an introduction to this extensive and complex area of English grammar: modal verbs.
Some of the most useful modals are: can, could, will, would, shall, should, must, may and might. They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing them and their most common meanings:
|
Can |
I can speak a little Russian.
We can’t fix it. Can I open the window? Can you help me? |
Ability / Possibility
Inability / Impossibility Asking for permission Request |
|---|---|---|
|
Could |
Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could you say that again more slowly? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could go to war again. He gave up his old job so he could work for us. |
Asking for permission.
Request Suggestion Future possibility Ability in the past |
|
May |
May I have another cup of coffee?
I may be home late. |
Asking for permission
Future possibility |
|
Might |
We’d better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now.
You never know, they might give us a 10% discount. |
Present possibility
Future possibility |
|
Must |
I must go now.
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary. She must be over 90 years old. |
Necessity / Obligation
Prohibition Expressing strong belief |
|
Shall (More common |
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then? Shall I do that or will you? |
Offer
Suggestion Asking what to do |
|
Should |
We should sort out this problem at once.
I think we should check everything again. You should check your posture when using the computer. Profits should increase next year. |
Saying what’s right or correct
Recommending action Giving advice Uncertain prediction |
|
Will |
I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
I’ll do that for you if you like. I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday. Profits will increase next year. |
Instant decisions
Offer Promise Certain prediction |
|
Would |
Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Would you like a cup of tea? “Would three o`clock suit you?” – “That’d be fine.” Would you like to play golf this Friday? “Would you prefer tea or coffee?” – “I’d like tea please.” |
Asking for permission
Making a request or offer
Making arrangements Invitation Stating Preferences |
Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form (spelling) and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present).
Modals are auxiliary verbs. They do not need an additional auxiliary in negatives or questions. For example: Must I come? (Do I must come?), or: He shouldn’t smoke (He doesn’t should smoke).
Andrea Althoff 