tips about model verbs (ZT)

English Modal Verbs

Article
by

Heather Marie Kosur

(9,036

pts



)

, published
Jul 14, 2009

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/education/languages/articles/37641.aspx#ixzz0UI9TrOtJ

The following article lists and explains the
nine modal verbs in English and discusses some of the possible
definitions and meanings of these modal verbs. A printable reference
sheet on English modal verbs is also available for download via a link
at the end of the article.

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Modal verbs are common auxiliary
verbs in Germanic languages including English that indicate modality.
Modality is the expression of possibility, necessity, and contingency.

The Modal Verbs in English

The nine modals verbs in English are:

can

could

may

might

must

shall

should

will

would

Position of Modal Verbs

Modal
verbs always appear in the first position at the beginning of the verb
phrase in English. Unlike other verbs, modal verbs do not show tense or
number. The seven possible verb phrase combinations that contain modal
verbs in English are:

modal verb + base form = will eat

modal verb + be + present participle = will be eating

modal verb + have + past participle = will have eaten

modal verb + be + past participle = will be eaten

modal verb + have + been + present participle = will have been eating

modal verb + have + been + past participle = will have been eaten

modal verb + have + been + being + past participle = will have been being eaten

Double Modals

Although
most varieties of English only allow for the use of one modal verb per
verb phrase, some English dialects such as Southern American English
allow for double modals. For example, the double modal might could
as in He might could build a new machine shed
expresses both possibility and ability. However, prescriptive grammars proscribe against the use of double modals.

Some Definitions of English Modal Verbs

Modal
verbs are difficult to define in any language because of the wide range
of pragmatic uses of modal verbs by native speakers. Some of the more
common definitions (in no particular order) of the modal verbs in
English are:

can – ability, permission, possibility, request

could – ability, permission, possibility, request, suggestion

may – permission, probability, request

might – possibility, probability, suggestion

must – deduction, necessity, obligation, prohibition

shall – decision, future, offer, question, suggestion

should – advice, necessity, prediction, recommendation

will – decision, future, intention, offer, prediction, promise, suggestion

would – conditional, habit, invitation, permission, preference, request, question, suggestion

Examples of Modal Verb Usage

The
following sentences are examples of usage of modal verbs in English.
For example, the following four sentences all ask for permission but
with different degrees and types of modality:

Can I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission)

May I go to the bathroom? (more politely asking for permission)

Could I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission with less certainty)

Might I go to the bathroom? (asking for permission with uncertainty)

The following sentences also demonstrate the subtle meanings in regards to modal verbs of suggestion:

You could listen to me. (suggestion)

You might listen to me. (uncertain suggestion)

You should listen to me. (strong suggestion)

You must listen to me. (stronger suggestion)

You will listen to me. (strongest suggestion)

The meanings of modal verbs are very pragmatic and must be learned through use.

Modal Verbs Practice Exercise

Identify the modal verb and modality (definition) in the following sentences.

Sentences

You could ride your bike across the country, but I advise against it.

Since all dogs are mammals, this golden retriever must be a mammal.

You might consider finishing your degree.

I will finish my essay tonight even if I have to forgo sleep.

The puppy can sit on command.

I would eat cereal every day as a child.

You may encounter some difficult patrons on occasion.

The train should arrive in a few minutes.

The situation would not be so bad if we all remained calm.

I will have earned my graduate degree next spring.

Possible Answers

could – possibility

must – deduction

might – suggestion

will – intention

can – ability

would – habit

may – probability

should – prediction

would – conditional

will – future

For a printable reference sheet on English modal verbs, please download the supplement to this article English Modal Verbs Reference Sheet
.

For information on other verb forms in English, please read the article The English Verb System for ESL Students

.

For more information on verbs, please see:

The Functions of Verbs and Verb Phrases in English

Parts of Speech: Verbs

Action Verbs and Verbs of Being Lesson

Related Links

The Internal Structure of Adverb Phrases in English

The Internal Structure of Prepositional Phrases in English

Forming Comparative and Superlative Adjectives: Morphological, Spelling, and Pronunciation Changes

English Grammar: Parts of Speech as Sentence Building Blocks

Commonly Misused Words with Meanings and an Example of Correct Use: From N to Y

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