MODALS
Modals are special verbs. They reflect the speaker’s mode of speaking. Modals are
used to give a special effect to language. They are used when the speaker wants to be
extra polite, tactful, determined, etc. Some of the modals are: will, shall, would, should,
can, could, may, might, ought to, must, dare, need, have to, used to etc.
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
1. Permission
2. Ability
3. Obligation
4. Prohibition
5. Lack of necessity
6. Advice
7. possibility
8. probability
Examples of modal verbs
Here is a list of modals with examples:
Modal Verb Expressing Example
Strong obligation You must stop when the traffic lights turn
red.
must
logical conclusion / Certainty He must be very tired. He's been working all
day long.
must not prohibition You must not smoke in the hospital.
ability I can swim.
can permission Can I use your phone please?
possibility Smoking can cause cancer.
ability in the past When I was younger, I could run fast.
could
polite permission Excuse me, could I just say something?
possibility It could rain tomorrow!
permission May I use your phone please?
may
possibility, probability It may rain tomorrow!
polite permission Might I suggest an idea?
might
possibility, probability I might go on holiday to Australia next year.
lack of necessity/absence of I need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty of
need not
obligation tomatoes in the fridge.
50 % obligation I should / ought to see a doctor. I have a
terrible headache.
should/ought
advice You should / ought to revise your lessons
to
logical conclusion He should / ought to be very tired. He's
been working all day long.
had better advice You 'd better revise your lessons
