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Use of Modals
we have… Majid Raza Hashmi
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- English
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Science
- Computer Science
 Introduction
A modal verb is a kind of auxiliary verb that is used to
express modalities (the states or ‘modes’ in which a thing
exists) such as possibility, ability, prohibition and
necessity.
Some common examples of modal verbs include should,
must, will, might and could.
 What is modality?
When we talk about modality in this context, what we
mean is the particular state, form or ‘mode’ in which
something exists or happens. In grammar, modality is used
to demonstrate necessity and authority. A low modality
word like ‘could’ is a lot less convincing than a high
modality word such as ‘must’.
 Common modals
These are the ways the words can affect sentences with
modal verbs examples:
• obligation (‘You should do your homework’),
• possibility (‘I might have pizza for tea’),
• ability (‘You can ride a bike now’) or
• prohibition (‘You may go out now’).
 Common modals
These are the ways the words can affect sentences with
modal verbs examples:
• obligation (‘You should do your homework’),
• possibility (‘I might have pizza for tea’),
• ability (‘You can ride a bike now’) or
• prohibition (‘You may go out now’).
 The 9 common modal verbs?
Can - I can jump.
Could - We could go to the cinema tomorrow.
May - They may be coming to our house tomorrow.
Might - It might rain on Friday.
Should - You should tell him.
Shall - If it’s dry, shall we play outside?
Will - I will try my best.
Would - My parents wouldn’t give me any pocket money.
Must - You must be quiet.
Have - I have to see the doctor about my leg.
 Why are modal verbs important?
Modal verbs allow us to quickly give more detail about an
action in a sentence. As a kind of auxiliary verb, modal
verbs are useful for helping us communicate more clearly.
These words are often used in instructions, rules and
guides - all areas where being precise and commanding are
important.
What are the uses of modal
verbs?
 Modal verbs of prohibition
Modal verbs can be used to convey obligation and necessity within a sentence.
These command-focused words are a useful way to direct a reader or listener
with clear guidance for what to do in a given situation.
For example, saying ‘you must do your homework tonight’ is very clear, putting the
importance of this action right at the top of the sentence.
Here are some examples of modal verbs of prohibition in action:
We must hurry if we are to get there on time.
She will have to eat all her dinner if she wants ice cream.
As you can see in these three examples, the modal verbs of prohibition can be
used to describe an action happening in the present tense, present continuous, or
future tense, depending on the situation. Words can be used to express this
prohibition are ‘must’, ‘have’, ‘should’, ‘can’ and ‘do’.
 Modal verbs of suggestion
Modal verbs can also be used to give advice or to suggest an action. This is more
suitable for situations where it might be considered rude to give an outright
order, or for more conversational guidance.
Modal verbs that can give a suggestion are ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘ought to’, and ‘had
better’. These examples get more strong in their urges as they go on. Compare
the tone in the following sentences to see this effect in action:
• You could stay at home if it’s raining.
• You should stay at home if it’s raining.
• You ought to stay at home if it’s raining.
• You had better stay at home if it’s raining.
By the final sentence, it sounds less like advice and more like a command! This
shows how modal verbs can affect our tone depending on the situation.
 Modal verbs of possibility and promise
The two final examples to look at are possibility and promise. In the two above
usages of modal verbs, the speaker is giving advice and direction to someone else.
Possibility and promise could still be used for this, but they are also commonly
used to describe our own actions and actions out in the world.
For example, if we are making plans with a friend, saying ‘I could meet up on
Thursday’ is an example of possibility. Saying ‘I will meet up on Thursday' sounds
much firmer, like a promise. These are all important things to keep in mind while
using modal verbs.
 Inverting modal verbs
By simply changing the word order around, we can turn phrases with modal verbs
into questions? By inverting, or switching around, the modal verb and the subject
of a sentence, we can form a question.
This means that ‘We could go to the cinema tomorrow’ becomes ‘Could we go to
the cinema tomorrow?’
 Modals Examples
Modal Verb Expressing Example
Strong obligation You must stop when the traffic lights turn red.
must
logical conclusion / Certainty He must be very tired. He's been working all day long.

must not prohibition You must not smoke in the hospital.

ability I can swim.

can permission Can I use your phone, please?

possibility Smoking can cause cancer.

ability in the past When I was younger I could run fast.

could polite permission Excuse me, could I just say something?

possibility It could rain tomorrow!

 Modals Examples
Modal Verb Expressing Example
permission May I use your phone, please?
may
possibility, probability It may rain tomorrow!
polite permission Might I suggest an idea?
might
possibility, probability I might go on holiday to Australia next year.
lack of necessity/absence of I need not buy tomatoes. There are plenty of tomatoes
need not
obligation in the fridge.
50 % obligation I should / ought to see a doctor. I have a terrible
headache.
should/ought to advice You should / ought to revise your lessons
logical conclusion He should / ought to be very tired. He's been working
all day long.
had better advice You'd better revise your lessons