Expert: Angela Kus - 7/12/2008

Question
Dear Angela,

We are a group of English teachers. We would be happy if you answer our question:

1. What are the various uses of modals?  

Answer
All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike other auxiliary verbs modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the main verb in a sentence.

Be, do, and have also differ from the other auxiliaries in that they can also serve as ordinary verbs in a given sentence.

The Modal verbs are:-

CAN / COULD / MAY / MIGHT / MUST / SHALL / SHOULD / OUGHT TO / WILL / WOULD


Modal  Example  Uses  
Can They can control their own budgets.
We can’t fix it.

Can I smoke here?

Can you help me?
Ability / Possibility
Inability / Impossibility

Asking for permission

Request

Could Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could you say it again more slowly?

We could try to fix it ourselves.

I think we could have another Gulf War.

He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
Asking for permission.
Request

Suggestion

Future possibility

Ability in the past

May May I have another cup of coffee?
China may become a major economic power.
Asking for permission
Future possibility

Might They might give us a 10% discount. Future possibility
Must We must say good-bye now.
They mustn't disrupt the work more than necessary.
Necessity / Obligation
Prohibition

Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or correct
Shall
(More common in the UK than the US)  Shall I help you with your luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then?

Shall I do that or will you?
Offer
Suggestion

Asking what to do

Should We should sort out this problem at once.
I think we should check everything again.

Profits should increase next year.
Saying what’s right or correct
Recommending action

Uncertain prediction

Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
I'll do that for you if you like.

I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday.

Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions
Offer

Promise

Certain prediction

Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Would you pass the salt please?

Would you mind waiting a moment?

"Would three oclock suit you?" - "That'd be fine."

Would you like to play golf this Friday?

"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea please."
Asking for permission

The modal auxiliary verbs are always followed by the base form.