MODAL AUXILIARIES

MODALS AUXILIARIES

Modal auxiliaries is express the wide range of meaning

The functions of modals are

1. ABILITY

Present time Past Time Future Time

Can can could can

Be able to am was shall

Is able to were able to will be able to

are

2. PERMISSION

May may might may

Might might

Can can could can

Could could

3. OBLIGATION

ADVISABILITY

Should should should have should

Ought to ought to ought to have ought to

4. NECESSITY

Must must had to must

Have to have to had to will have to

Has to shall have to

5. POSSIBILITY

May May May have May

Might might have might

Examples

ABILITY

- Can you type?

- When I was young, I could/ was able to climb any tree in the forest

- Our baby will be able to walk in a few weeks

- I couldn’t dance when I was a child, but I can dance very well now.

PERMISSION

- I may leave the office as soon as I have finished

- Can I have a drink of water

- In those days, anyone could enroll for this course

- May I bring my nice to your party tomorrow night?

OBLIGATION (what one is expected to do)

- You should/ought to do your homework every day

- John should have gone to the dentist yesterday

· Should and ought to, used for obligation, normally have the same meaning but should is the more usual form

ADVISIBILITY (what is wise for one to do)

- She should/ought to eat less if she wants to lose weight

- You should/ought to study hard if you want to pass that examination

NECESSITY

- This is an excellent book. You must/have to read it

- You’ve been traveling all day. You must be tired

- I cannot see clearly. I have to wear glasses

· MUST is generally felt stronger than HAVE TO

POSSIBILITY

- Tom may lend you the money

- If you invited him, he might come

- The teacher may arrive late because of the trouble of his motorcycle