6.1.1: Modals
- Page ID
- 270039
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Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs that are used only with a main verb to help express mood.
The following is the basic formula for using a modal auxiliary:
Subject + modal auxiliary + main verb
James may call.
The table lists nine main modal auxiliaries used in English.
Table of Modal Auxiliaries
| Modal Auxiliary | Use | Modal Auxiliary + Main Verb |
|---|---|---|
|
can |
To express an ability or possibility |
I can lift this forty-pound box. (ability) We can embrace green sources of energy. (possibility) |
|
could |
To express an ability in the past, a present possibility, or a past or future permission |
I could beat you at chess when we were kids. (past ability) We could bake a pie! (present possibility) Could we pick some flowers from the garden (future permission) |
|
may |
To express uncertain future action or permission, or ask a yes-no question |
I may attend the concert. (uncertain future action) You may begin the exam. (permission) May I attend the concert (yes-no questions) |
|
might |
To express uncertain future action |
I might attend the concert (uncertain future action same as may) |
|
should ought to |
To express advice, to ask for advice -only with should |
I should mail my RSVP. (obligation, same as ought to) Should I call my mother? (asking if an obligation exists) You ought to take some aspirin. ( advice) |
|
had better |
To give strong advice, or warn about possible consequences |
You'd better see a doctor. (strong advice) You'd better study for the test, or you will fail it. (warning) |
|
will |
To express intended future action, ask a favor, or ask for information |
I will get an A in this class. (intended future action) Will you buy me some chocolate? (favor) Will you be finished soon? (information) |
|
would |
To state a preference, request a choice politely, explain an action, or introduce habitual past actions |
I would like the steak, please. (preference) Would you like to have breakfast in bed? (request a choice politely) I would go with you if I didn't have to babysit tonight. (explain an action) He would write to me every week when we were dating. (habitual past action) |
|
must |
To express personal or legal obligation |
We must be on time for class. (personal obligation) All passengers must wear a seatbelt. (legal obligation) |
Use the following format to form a yes-no question with a modal auxiliary:
Modal auxiliary + subject + main verb
Should I drive?
Common Errors
Be aware of these four common errors when using modal auxiliaries:
- Using an infinitive instead of a base verb after a modal
a. Incorrect: I can to move this heavy table.
b. Correct: I can move this heavy table. - Using a gerund instead of a base verb after a modal
a. Incorrect: I could moving to the United States.
b. Correct: I could move to the United States. - Using two modals in a row
a. Incorrect: I should must renew my passport.
b. Correct: I must renew my passport.
c. Correct: I should renew my passport. - Leaving out a modal
a. Incorrect: I renew my passport.
b. Correct: I must renew my passport.
Exercise 1.1: Common Modal Auxiliary Error
Edit the following paragraph by correcting the common modal auxiliary errors:
I may to go to France on vacation next summer. I might can visit the Palace of Versailles. I will to drive around the countryside. I could imagining myself living there. However, I will not moved to France because my family should miss me very much.