2.5: Modals and Phrasal Modals

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 52119

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Reading Exercises

Read the sentences below. Identify the verb phrases. Do the sentences have the same meaning or different meanings?

We should put our smartphones away when we eat dinner
We might put our smartphones away when we eat dinner
We must put our smartphones away when we eat dinner

Which words change the meaning of each sentence?

Answers

Should: It is a good idea (advice)
Might: It is possible in the future
Must: It is required

"Should," "might," and "must" are modal verbs. Examine the verb phrases again. Does the modal form change when the subject changes? What is the form of the main verb after the modal verb?

We should put our smartphones away when we eat dinner
I might put my smartphone away when we eat dinner
She must put her smartphone when we eat dinner

Answers

Modal verbs do not change form to agree with the subject. They are always followed by the base form of the main verb

"Should," not "shoulds"
"Put," not "puts" or "putting"

Compare these sentences. Identify the verb phrases...

We must put our smartphones away when we eat dinner
We have to put our smartphones away when we eat dinner
She has to put her smartphone away when we eat dinner

These sentences have the same meaning. How are the modals in the three sentences different?

Answers

"Have to" is a phrasal modal. It uses more than one word and changes form to agree with the subject (has to). It can also change tense (had to, will have to)

Modals and Phrasal Modals of Ability

Can
Could
Be able to
Know how to

Modal	Present example	Future example	Past example
Can, could	The addiction counselor can help with smartphone addiction	I can put my phone in the other room when I go to sleep tonight	In the past, I could concentrate on reading for long periods, but now that I have a smartphone, I can't
Know how to (used for a skill) Change "know" to agree with tense and subject	Do you know how to use this app?	After we look at this YouTube video, we will know how to turn off an app notification	She didn't always know how to use a tablet
Be able to (Change "be" to agree with tense and subject)	("Can" is more common in present tense) If you are not able to stop using screen technology, you might be addicted	After I install this blue light filter, I will be able to sleep better at night	When I was a child, I was able to remember a lot of information without my smartphone

Modals of Future Possibility

Will
Might
May
Could

These modals show that an event is possible in the future. "Might," "may," and "could" have similar meanings. "Will" is the most certain, but is often modified with an adverb "maybe," "perhaps," or "probably"

Technology will continue to dominate our lives in the future
We may/might/could find a way to use it with more awareness, though

Modals of Request

Would
Could
Can
Will

These modals are used to make a polite request

Would/could/can/will you turn off your phone, please?

Modals of Suggestion, Advice, Necessity

Could
Should
Ought to
Had better
Must
Have to

How does the meaning in the sentences below differ?

He could get up and go outside
He should get up and go outside
He ought to get up and go outside
He had better get up and go outside
He must get up and go outside
He has to get up and go outside

Answer

The modals above are ordered from weakest to strongest...

He could get up and go outside (suggestion)
He should get up and go outside (advice)
He ought to get up and go outside (advice)
He had better get up and go outside (warning)
He must get up and go outside (obligation)
He has to get up and go outside (obligation)

Must Not vs. Don't Have To

Do these sentences have the same meaning?

We must not spend so much time at the computer every day
We don't have to spend so much time at the computer every day

Answer

"Must not spend" means we are not allowed to spend so much time; it is not permitted
"Don't have to spend" means it is not necessary to spend so much time; it is optional

Videos and Other Resources

Watch this video for three easy rules to avoid mistakes with modals...

Watch this video for useful charts and information about modals...

Watch this video for a modal review...

Need practice writing modals? Try this website...

Practice Using Modals

Click on this link and watch the short video about screen addiction. Try the "think" and "explore" links. Then write a short paragraph. Use modals to explain what students can/could/should/must/have to do to prevent screen addiction...