MODALS AUXILIARY VERB
1.
Can
Function : The modal
verb Can
expresses permision, possibility, and contingency.
Example :
Ø He can borrow my car. (He has permission to borrow my car)
Ø Chickens can fly. (It is possible for chickens to fly)
Ø If you can earn the money, then you may buy the dress. (Buying the
dress is contingent on earning the money)
Could
Function :
The modal verb Could expresses ability,
permission, and possibility.
Example :
Ø My
grandfather could fly a plane. (My grandfather used to be able to fly a plane)
Ø You could borrow my
sweater. (It is permissible for you to borrow my sweater.)
Ø You
could borrow my sweater. (It is permissible for you to borrow my sweater.)
2.
May
Function : The modal
verb May
expresses possibility, probability, and permission.
Example :
Ø The rocket may explode at take off. (It is a possibility for the rocket
to explode at take off)
Ø The patient likely may never walk again. (It is probable that the
patient will never walk again)
Ø May I borrow your pen? (Do I have permission to borrow your pen?)
Might
Function :
The modal verb Might expresses possibility, suggestions, and commands.
Example :
Ø You
might get hurt. (It is possible for you to get hurt)
Ø You
might add raisins to the cookies. (It is suggested that you add raisins to the
cookies)
Ø You
might be quiet while I am on the phone. (It is commanded that you be quiet
while I am on the phone.)
3.
Shall
Function : The modal
verb Shall
expresses suggestions, predictions, decisions.
Example :
Ø Shall we go for ice cream? (I suggest we go for ice cream)
Ø It shall snow tomorrow. (It is predicted to snow tomorrow)
Ø I shall buy a new hat. (I decided to buy a new hat)
Should
Function :
The modal verb Should expresses suggestions, necessity, and predictions.
Example :
Ø You
should buy a new car. (It is suggested that you buy a new car)
Ø People
with egg allergies should avoid omelets. (It is necessary that people with egg
allergies avoid omelets.
Ø Espen
should be in Chicago by now. (It is predicted that Espen is in Chicago now.)
4.
Must
Function : The modal
verb Must
expresses obligation, necessity, and commands.
Example :
Ø All students must pass this class before taking more. (It is obligatory
that all students pass this class before taking more)
Ø He must buy more cinnamon. (It is necessary that he buy more cinnamon)
Ø You must wash your hands. (It is commanded that you wash your hands)
5.
Will
Function : The modal
verb Will
expresses decisions, predictions, intentions.
Example :
Ø She will buy a new outfit for the party. (She has decided to buy a new
outfit for the party)
Ø It looks like it will rain tonight. (The prediction is that it rains
tonight)
Ø The doctor will call you in the morning. (The doctor intends to call
you in the morning)
Would
Function :
The modal verb Would expresses conditionality, contingency, and desires.
Example :
Ø If
i were president, I would spend more on education. (My being president is the
condition necessary for my spending more on education)
Ø If i were a rich girl, then
I would have all the money in the world. (My having all the money in the world
is the contingency for my being a rich girl)
v I
would like some sweet tea. (I desire some sweet tea)
Differences
:
v Can and
Could
Can be used
to talk about current or general abilities. While Could used to talk about the
abilities that existed in the past.
v May and
Might
May is used
to express an opinion about a possibility. While the Might is used to declare a
lesser probability of occurrence than the possibility of "may".
v Shall and
Should
Should be
used to give advice or show the necessity. While Shall is used to provide more
polite suggestions as well as showing the necessity in formal matters.
v Will and
Would
Will is
used to talk about future events or the future. While Would be used to discuss
events in the past or past.
