Week 2 -- MODAL VERBS - Introduction

   

   - verbs like "can" or "may" are called modal auxiliaries (also modal verbs, modals).

   - there are ten modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, ought
   to and three semi-modals: need, dare and used to

   

   

   In their first use, modal verbs have basic meanings:

   - can / could (ability)

   - may / might (permission)

   - will / would (prediction

   - shall after I/we (prediction) e.g. Will we find our way? -- I'm sure we shall.

   - should / ought to (duty)

   - must (total obligation)

   - needn't (no obligation)

   

   

   Important points about modals:       

   

   a) Modal verbs usually refer only to the present of the future:

   

               e.g. I must go to the bank now. / I must go to the bank tomorrow.

   

   The past is expressed in a different way:

   - can = be able to

   - must = have to

   - may = be allowed to

   

   b) we can't use them as to-infinitives: I want to be able to type very fast. (not to can type)

   

   c) we do not use the to-infinitive after modals: You mustn't tell her.

   

   d) there is no --(e)s in the 3^rd person singular: The boss can see you now.

   

   

   The second use of modal verbs

   

   - here modals express degrees of certainty or uncertainty:

   

   He might be right. He might know the answer. (= very uncertain)

   He could be right. He would know the answer. (= fairly certain)

   He must be right. He must know the answer. (= almost certain)

   He can't be right. He can't know the answer. (= almost certain)

   

   

   Modal verbs in detail -- see Murphy: English Grammar in Use, U 26 -- 33, 36