Modals

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs like can, could, shall, must etc. which have grammatical functions like forming tenses, questions and passives.

Can:
“Can” is used to express ability, willingness, permission, or possibility. The negative of can is “cannot” or the contraction “can’t”.

Example: I can cook dinner.

In this example “can” expresses the ability to cook dinner.

Example: Can you pass me the sauce?

In this example “Can” expresses the willingness pass me the ketchup.

Example: Can I use your pencil?

In this example “Can” expresses the permission to use your pencil.

Example: Intense light can hurt your eyes.

In this example “can” expresses the possibility of intense light to hurt your eyes.

Identify the function of ‘can’ in each of the following sentences
1) I can tie my shoes.

2) Can I have a piece of gum?

3) If you ride a motorcycle, you can fall.

4) Can you get me a drink of water?

5) I can speak English well.

Could:
“Could” has at least three functions. First, it can replace “can” and give the phrase a more conditional tone. Second, it can function as the past tense of “can”. Third, it can function in the same way as “might” or “may”, suggesting that something is a possibility. The negative of can is “could not” or the contraction “couldn’t”.

Example: You could have been an astronaut if you wanted to.

In this example “could” expresses the conditional ability to be an astronaut in the past.

Example: He couldn’t let me have his bike because he needed it.

In this example “couldn’t” expresses the lack of permission to have his bike in the past.

Example: Rani could be at the store right now.

In this example “could” expresses the possibility that Rani is at the store in the present.

“Could” functions the same way as “might” or “may” in this sentence.

Circle the correct auxiliary modal verb in each sentence.

 * 1) I (could, can) help you with your homework now.
 * 2) Five years ago, I (cannot, couldn’t) play the piano.
 * 3) I (can, could) get an A on the test.
 * 4) I (can, could) run ten miles if I train hard enough.
 * 5) We (can, could) speak English well.

Will:
“Will” is used when you are volunteering to do something in the future, or when you are deciding at the time of speaking to do something in the future. The negative of will is “will not” or the contraction “won’t”

Example: I will cook dinner.

In this example “will” is used to volunteer to cook dinner in the future.

Example: I think I will go to the beach this Sunday.

In this example “will” is used to express a future action that is being decided upon at the time of speaking.

Would:
“Would” has several functions. First, it functions as the past tense of “will”. Second, it functions as the conditional mood of “will”. Third, it is used to be polite. The negative of would is “would not” or the contraction “wouldn’t”.

Example: I would try to act like my father when I was young.

In this example “would” functions as the past tense of “will”.

Example: I would get a tan if I worked at the pool.

In this example “would” functions as the conditional mood of “will”.

Example: I would like more tea please.

In this example “would” is used to be polite.

Circle the correct auxiliary modal verb in each sentence.

1) My dog and I (would, will) go for walks when she was younger.

2) I (will, would) buy new shoes if I had enough money.

3) I am feeling tired. I think I (would, will) go to sleep now.

4) I (will, would) like more milk whenever its available.

5) I don’t think we (will, would) ever win the game.

Shall:
“Shall" is a modal verb used to indicate future action. It is most used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is often found in suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also frequently used in promises or voluntary actions

Example: Shall I help you?

The above example is a suggestion

Example: I shall never forget where I came from.

The above example is a promise

Should:
“Should” indicates obligation and probability

Example: You should not smoke at all.

The above example is an obligation

Example: There should be an extra key for the lock in the drawer.

The above example is a probability

May & Might
May and might both indicate possibility, but might can suggest that there is less possibility than may.

Examples: It may rain later. (stronger possibility)

It might rain later. (lesser possibility)

Must
Must indicates necessity.

Examples:

You must leave now.

He must study hard. 