MODALS-EXPRESSING ATTITUDE

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MODALS-EXPRESSING ATTITUDE

Modals are special verbs in English. They are different from normal verbs like eat, play, sleep etc. They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.

Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:

They never change their form. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing"...

They are always followed by an infinitive without "to" (e.i. the bare infinitive.)

They are used to indicate modality and allow speakers to express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity, and ability.

 

Mood

Modal

Intention

Shall,will

Probability

Could,may,might

Permission

May,can,shall

Ability

Can,could

Instruction

Should

Willingness

Will

Prediction

Will

Wish

May

Advice

Should, ought to

Suggestion

Shall, could

Possibility

Can, may

Assumption

Must

Natural propensity

Will

Promise/threat

Shall,will

Request/offer

Could, might, may, can, should

Obligation/compulsion

Must,need to,have to, will, shall

prohibition

Must not

Bless/curse

May

not necessary

Need not

Past habit

Used to

 

Examples:

1. You should drive carefully in bad weather. (Advice)

2. Will you please shut the door? (Polite Request)

3. Can you wait a moment, please? (Polite Request)

4. I can speak German. (Ability-Present)

5. When my grandfather was young he could swim. (Ability-Past)

6. I needn't go to the super market; we're going to the restaurant tonight. (Not Necessary)

7. My mother used to play Tennis when she was in college. (Past Habit)

8. I will gift you a watch on your birthday. (Promise)

9. It may rain today. (Possibility)

10. You must take care of your old parents. (Obligation)


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