Modal Overview
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Modals are auxiliary words
used in combination with verbs
to show:
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prediction or probability of
events
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show necessity
•
make requests
•
give advice
•
and more!
Modals
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can / could
•
will /would
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may / might
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shall /should
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must
Phrasal modal counterparts
Modal
Phrasal Modals
can, could
be able to
will, shall
be going to, be about to
must
have to, have got to
should, ought to
be to, be supposed to
would (=past habit)
used to
may, might
be allowed to, be permitted
to
Modal and Similar Expressions: Review
Practice:
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What are some things you can do?
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What are some things that you could do as a child?
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I can touch my toes.
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When I was a child, I could do back flips.
Logical Probability
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Expresses the certainty of statement. There are different levels
for this certainty.
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Someone’s knocking.
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That must be Sydney.
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That will be Sydney.
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That should be Sydney.
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That may be Sydney.
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That could/might be Sydney.
High Certainty
Low Certainty
Modal and Similar Expressions: Review
Prediction
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Expresses the certainty of statement. There are
different levels for this certainty.
•
What did the weatherman say?
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It will rain tomorrow.
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It should rain tomorrow.
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It may rain tomorrow.
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It could/might rain tomorrow.
High Certainty
Low Certainty
Modal and Similar Expressions: Review
Necessity
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Expresses necessity, can be external or internal.
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Internal: I have to see my doctor about this rash.
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External: You must fill out the top of this form.
Modal and Similar Expressions: Review
Use (Social Functions)
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Making Requests:
•
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Will / Would / Can/Could you help me with this
math problem?
Specific requests for permission:
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May/Might / Can/Could I leave the room now?
Use (Social Functions)
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Giving Advice
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You must see a doctor
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You should/ought to see a doctor
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You might/could see a doctor
More Urgent
Less Urgent
Use (Social Functions)
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Express Desire - would like to
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Sarah would like to travel around the world.
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Ralph would like an apple.
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Offer/Invitation - would you like (to)
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Would you like something to drink?
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Would you like to dance?
Use (Social Functions)
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Preference - would you rather (X than Y), would
prefer to
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Brad would rather study languages than
mathematics.
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Joe would prefer to go to school instead of working.