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modality&

Here are the main verbs we use to express modal meanings: Core modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, shall, would, should, must Semi-modals: dare, need, ought to, used to Other verbs with modal meanings: have (got) to, be going to and be able to

modals

Modals are different from normal verbs: 1: They don't use an 's' for the third person singular.2: They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?').3: They are followed directly by the infinitive of another verb (without 'to').

Lúcia Barbosa

modals

modality&

Here are the main verbs we use to express modal meanings: Core modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, shall, would, should, must Semi-modals: dare, need, ought to, used to Other verbs with modal meanings: have (got) to, be going to and be able to

Modality: We often use modal verbs or other modal expressions when we want to express an opinion or attitude about a possible fact or to control a possible action. All modal expressions are about the speaker’s or writer’s view of the world.

He’s her brother. She told me. I know this fact for certain. I am not expressing an opinion about it. I am stating it as a fact. He must be her brother. They look so much alike. I am expressing an opinion about a fact because of the evidence that I have.

Jan always goes with us. I’m not expressing an attitude or opinion about this action. OK. Jan can go if she’s finished. I’m controlling a possible action. I’m giving Jan permission.

modals

modality&

opinion

• The speaker or writer decides how certain something is, either in the present, future or past. They predict or speculate about a fact. We see this type of meaning when we talk about degrees of certainty, possibility, likelihood, doubt:

atitude

• The speaker or writer wants to control or ‘direct’ the action. They give and refuse permission. They talk about obligation and necessity. They talk about how they would like the world to be:

We can divide most modal words and expressions into two types of meaning:

modals

modality&

opinion

• The speaker or writer decides how certain something is, either in the present, future or past. They predict or speculate about a fact. We see this type of meaning when we talk about degrees of certainty, possibility, likelihood, doubt:

modals

modality&

atitude

• The speaker or writer wants to control or ‘direct’ the action. They give and refuse permission. They talk about obligation and necessity. They talk about how they would like the world to be:

modals

modality&

opinion

Paula can’t be home yet. It’s impossible. She left 10 minutes after us. [The speaker hears the phone ring and predicts who is ringing.] There’s the phone. That’ll be Mum. I may go. I haven’t decided yet.

examples

modals

modality&

atitude

[parent says to child] You can come if you’re good. He should take more care. Tell Jen she needn’t bother about the washing up. You mustn’t worry so much about her. You may go now. (formal)

examples

Modal verbs

Often the same modal verb is used to express different meanings.

meaning:

really certain

will My birthday will be on a Monday this year.

won’t I won’t have a party.

shall I shall have plenty to tell you when I see you.

shan’t I shan’t ask you to come again.

must The cakes must be ready soon. They’ve been in the oven for an hour.

can’t You can’t be hungry. You had a huge lunch.

meaning:

very likely

should The traffic isn’t heavy. We should be there in an hour.

ought to The traffic isn’t heavy. We ought to be there in an hour.

meaning:

possible

may She may be a friend of Richard’s.

might She might be a friend of Richard’s.

could She could be a friend of Richard’s.

meaning:

strong obligation

must You must arrive at 6 to pick up the tickets.

need to We need to win this game to get into the final.

have to I have to go up to the hospital twice a week.

meaning:

weak obligation

should Children should look after their parents in old age.

ought to Children ought to look after their parents in old age.

meaning:

no obligation

needn’t I needn’t do it now. I’ll do it later.

don’t need to I don’t need to do it now. I’ll do it later.

don’t have to I don’t have to do it now. I’ll do it later.

meaning:

permission

may You may go now if you’ve finished. May I borrow a chair?

could Could we borrow the car?

might Might we have a little more time to finish the exam? (very formal)

can Can we go out now? You can go now if you’ve finished.

meaning:

no permission

may not You may not enter while the exam is in progress. (formal)

must not You must not leave your bike in front of the fire exit.

can’t You can’t go in without a ticket.

meaning:

offer

shall Shall I go and make dinner?

will I’ll get it. You stay there.

meaning:

request

would Would you close that door?

will Will you close that door?

could Could you help me with this?

meaning:

promise

will I’ll come back before 6.

meaning:

decision

will I think I’ll eat later. I’m not hungry now.

meaning:

advice & suggestion

should You should apply for that job.

meaning:

ability

can Can you swim underwater?

could I could play much better ten years ago.

meaning:

general truth

can Too much exercise can be bad for you.

may A list of verbs may be found at the back of the book.