MODALITY

 Modal auxiliary verbs are followed by the base form of a verb to show certainty, necessity, or possibility. Modals and the verbs that follow do not change form to indicate tense or take an “-s” ending. All modal auxiliary verbs can be used in the present, but only “could,” “would,” “should,” and “might” can be used in the past.

 

MODAL AUXILIARY VERB	USAGE	EXAMPLE
can , could	To show or infer general ability	You can come and visit any time. She could solve the problem mentally.
	To make a polite or informal request	Can we take the train instead? Could you take me to school early tomorrow?
	To give permission	You can take a day off tomorrow if you’re still feeling sick. If necessary, I could give you a longer extension.
	To make a prediction	If you work hard, you can easily land a job. If you continue to study hard, you could graduate with flying colors.
will , would	To make a polite or informal request	Will you see me tonight? I would gladly appreciate your help.
	To make a formal request	Will you be nice! Would you please help!
	To make a prediction	If she hears news about you, she will recover in no time. I would be surprised if she did not win.
shall	To show intention	We shall not surrender.
	To make a polite or an informal request	Shall we dance?
should	To indicate expectation	You should receive an email by next week.
	To suggest or provide advice	If you expect to get their full attention, you should give extra effort to your presentation.
	To infer responsibility or obligation	We should work hand in hand for the success of our community project.
may, might	To make a formal request	May I speak with you after office hours? You might want to reconsider your decision.
	To request permission	May I go to the dance tonight? Might I have a word with you?
	To show possibility	I may want to hear more of what you can offer. We might show up in the party.
	To make a prediction	We may win this contest if we craft a solid strategy. I might not see you in class, but I’ll wait for you in the stadium at lunch.
must	To indicate necessity	We must do something right now, or lose everything then next day.
	To infer a logical assumption	I couldn’t find her anywhere, she must have gone home already.

 

Originally published at jeanillec.blogspot.com

in March 2019.

Reference

GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS Using Modal Auxiliary Verbs

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/repository/files/grammar-and-mechanics/verb-system/Using-Modal-Auxiliary-Verbs.pdf