Modals

1. Modals are auxiliary verbs.

- Can, may, might, must, should, could, and would
2. Modals are used to
a) Express ability
- She can sew well.
- John can ride well.
b) Express uncertainty/probability
- The boys may go to the party tonight.
- The boys might go to the party tonight.
c)
-

Express requests / ask for permission

Can I borrow your pencil?
May I borrow your pencil?
Could you carry the box?
Would you switch on the fan the door, please?

d)
-

Ask for permission using pronouns.

Can I borrow your pen?
May I borrow your pen?
Could I borrow your pen?

e)
-

Give permission in reply.

Yes, you can.
Yes, you may.
Yes, you could.
*The use of may is more polite.

f) Make requests using the pronoun you.

- Could you open the door?
- Would you pay for me first.
g) Express obligation / duties
Must and should are used to express duties and things that have to be done.
- You must study hard.
- We should obey school regulations.
h) express suggestions.
The modal could is commonly used to make suggestions.
- We could go to the library.
- You could ask John to lend you the money.
- We could go swimming.
- She could talk to her teacher.
Prepared by: Porshothman Elenggoven
SMJK Chung Hua, Kuala Pilah