Expressing Possibility, Ability, Permission, and Obligation

Modal verbs are special verbs that add nuance to other verbs, allowing speakers to express a range of meanings including possibility, ability, permission, and obligation. Languagehood’s guide to modal verbs aims to help learners navigate the subtleties of modal usage in English.

Understanding Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb to indicate likelihood, ability, permission, and more. They do not change form according to the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb.

Common Modal Verbs and Their Functions

• Can/Could: Ability, possibility, or permission.
  • “She can play the piano.”
  • “Could I borrow your pen?”
• May/Might: Possibility or permission (with ‘may’ being more formal).
  • “It may rain later.”
  • “You might see deer in the forest.”
• Will/Would: Future certainty, willingness, or hypothetical situations.
  • “I will see you tomorrow.”
  • “Would you like some coffee?”
• Shall: Formal suggestion or future action (mostly British English).
  • “Shall we dance?”
• Should/Ought to: Advice or expectation.
  • “You should check that document again.”
  • “You ought to visit your grandparents.”
• Must: Strong obligation or necessity, or a strong conclusion.
  • “You must wear a seatbelt.”
• Have to/Has to: Necessity or obligation.
  • “I have to finish my assignment.”
• Dare: To challenge or to have the courage.
  • “I dare not tell him the truth.”
• Need to: Necessity or obligation (can be used as a modal verb or a regular verb).
  • “You need to see this.”

Modal Verbs in Questions and Negatives

• Questions are formed by inverting the modal verb and subject.
  • “Can you help me?”
• Negatives are formed by adding ‘not’ after the modal verb.
  • “You should not smoke.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Verb Form Following a Modal: Always use the base form of the verb after a modal.
  • Incorrect: “She must to go.”
  • Correct: “She must go.”
• Confusing Modal Meanings: Be clear about the function of the modal verb you choose.
  • Incorrect: “I might to study.” (expressing obligation)
  • Correct: “I must study.” (expressing obligation)

Examples for Practice

• “You can see the stars from here.”
• “She might come to the party if she finishes work early.”
• “We must decide what to do next.”
• “They shouldn’t make such a noise late at night.”

Modal verbs add a layer of sophistication to English language usage, and mastery of these verbs can greatly enhance communication skills. Languagehood provides this guide to offer learners a clear path to understanding and using modal verbs effectively, enriching their expression of mood, modality, and attitude.