modals

Prepared by: Porshothman Elenggoven SMJK Chung Hua, Kuala Pilah

Modals

1. Modals are auxiliary verbs.

- Can, may, might, must, should, could, and would

2. Modals are used to

a) Express ability

- She can sew well.

- John can ride well.

b) Express uncertainty/probability

- The boys may go to the party tonight.

- The boys might go to the party tonight.

c) Express requests / ask for permission

- Can I borrow your pencil?

- May I borrow your pencil?

- Could you carry the box?

- Would you switch on the fan the door, please?

d) Ask for permission using pronouns.

- Can I borrow your pen?

- May I borrow your pen?

- Could I borrow your pen?

e) Give permission in reply.

- Yes, you can.

- Yes, you may.

- Yes, you could.

*The use of may is more polite.

f) Make requests using the pronoun you.

- Could you open the door?

- Would you pay for me first.

g) Express obligation / duties

Must and should are used to express duties and things that have to be done.

- You must study hard.

- We should obey school regulations.

h) express suggestions.

The modal could is commonly used to make suggestions.

- We could go to the library.

- You could ask John to lend you the money.

- We could go swimming.

- She could talk to her teacher.