Modals

The list May, might, must, Can, could Will, would Shall, should, Ought to*

The rules for using them When you use a modal, the verb after it doesn’t change In a question, the modal goes first, then the subject, then the verb Don’t use with DO I can saw it She can to see it She cans see it He can sees it He sees it He can see it Can pass you the rice? Do you can see it? They don’t can go there.

When do we use them?

1. Polite requests Polite requests with I as the subject May I borrow the pen? (most polite) Could I borrow the pen? Can I borrow the pen? (least polite) B. Polite requests with YOU as the subject Would you pass the salt? Will you pass the salt? Could you pass the salt? Can you pass the salt? NO “MAY YOU”

2. Would you mind…? Would you mind if I opened the window? Would you mind saying that again? Would you mind ____ing….?

3. Must=Express necessity/ a need, a rule, or an assumption We must see Mrs. Hall today. =We have to see Mrs. Hall today. You must not use your phone in Daniel Hall (rule, not allowed) Not the same as “You don’t have to use your phone in Daniel Hall” You must be very hungry since you ate two servings (assumption)

4. Advice Should, ought to Other way to say it: had better You should study in the morning. You ought to study in the morning. You had better study in the morning (stronger)

5. When you’re unsure He is sick= 100% sure He must be sick=95% sure, assumption He may be sick; he might be sick; he could be sick=50% sure or less

Some help with the “pairs” Can vs. Could She can help me today, but she couldn’t help me last night. Present and past

Some help with the “pairs” Will (shall) vs. Would Will=future tense. It is going to happen. I will study tonight Would=conditional. It might happen. Or past. I would study tonight if someone would help me.