Modal Auxiliary Verbs

ENG 110 Prof. K. Horowitz

Index
Objectives Introduction What do modals do? Types of modals Try Your Luck! Practice Exercises

Objectives
This module is designed to instruct students in the use of English modal auxiliary verbs through the use of instruction, examples, and exercises. By the end of the module, students should be able to identify the nine different types of modals and their functions in a particular sentence.

Introduction
Just like Spanish, English makes great use of helping verbs, which modify the main verb of a sentence in different ways. One of the most numerous types of auxiliaries is the modal, which has nine different types. They modify the main verb by indicating modality, or manner.

What does a modal do?

Modals always precede the main verb and have several functions that often overlap. They indicate modality, or, how something is done. There are nine main types of modals: can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, must, & might.

Types of Modals
- Can: indicates physical ability in the present tense.EX: I can hold my breath for 2 minutes. It can also indicate permission, in informal situations. EX: Can I go with you? - Could: Is sometimes referred to as the past tense of can. It can indicate past ability... EX: I could lift 300 lbs. when I was younger. or it can show possibility. EX: It could rain tomorrow.

- Shall: can show intention. It can also indicate willingness. EX: We shall win the war! EX: Shall I accompany you to dinner? Should: indicates logical necessity. This is a logical conclusion reached through common sense. It is not, however, an obligation. EX: You should sleep eight hours a night.

Will: Can show willingness, much like shall. It can indicate intention as well. EX: Will you help me study for the test EX: I will be number one! Would: Also shows willingness. EX: Would you excuse me?

May: Refers to permission in a formal setting, as well as possibility. EX: May I help you? EX: The road may be blocked. Might: Indicates possibility. EX: It might be too late for dinner. Must: Shows obligation. EX: You must eat to live.

Try Your Luck!

Let s see if we can identify the functions of some modal auxiliary verbs in sentences. The waiter will be bringing our order soon.

intention

Logical necessity

permission

Want to try one more? Here you go! It might rain today.

permission

Physical ability

possibility

Practice Exercises
Identify the function of the modals below. The plane should leave at noon tomorrow. Mandy could go with either Sam or Frodo. Will you wake me at eight tomorrow? I shall return! Bob can swim very fast! It might be too late for goodbyes. You must turn to the dark side, Luke! Can I have a soda? How may I be of service? It will be mine!

Useful Links
English for Beginners: A great site for practice exercises, including pronunciation, listening exercises, vocabulary, and verb usage. English Zone: A site dedicated to English learning, covering different aspects of language learning ranging from grammar to composition writing.

RHL School: A site full of practice exercises of different aspects of English grammar. Waylink English: A great page on modal auxiliary verbs.

Congratulations! See you next module!

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