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Modal Auxiliary 1 Can vs Could 2 May vs Might 3 Must vs Have to 4 Will vs Would

Modal Auxiliary A modal auxiliary verb is used to modify the mood of a verb. Can Should Would Could Shall Will Have to Must Might

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

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 a 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

May “May” is used to express permission or possibility. The negative of may is “may not”. I may become a doctor.

Might “Might” is used to express possibility. It differs from “may” in that the possibility it expresses is usually smaller. The negative of might is “might not”. I might become a doctor when I grow up, but I doubt it.

Must Must” has two functions. First it expresses a strong belief. This belief is not based on fact, but rather on logic. Second, it expresses an obligation. The source of this obligation is internal (coming from oneself). The negative of must is “must not” or the contraction “mustn’t”.

Have to “Have to” has several functions. First it expresses a strong belief. This belief is not based on fact, but rather on logic. Second, it expresses an obligation. The source of this obligation is external (coming from your boss, the law, an authority). The negative of have is “do not have to”.

Will “Will” is used when you are volunteering to do something in the future, or whe 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” (See “Using will and going” in the future tense folder of the advanced section of this website for more information on “will”). I will cook dinner.

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

Shall “Shall” is to express a future action. It is different than “will” in that it is used to express an order or prophecy. The negative of shall is “shall not” or the contraction “shan’t”. I shall become a doctor. In this example “shall” is used to express the prophecy of me becoming a doctor in the future.

Should “Should” is used to express the ideal (best) action which happens in the past, present, or future. The negative of should is “should not” or the contraction “shouldn’t”. I think I should make chicken for dinner tonight.

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